1980 85hp Johnson drains battery when cranking

[mark156531]

I've replaced the battery and made sure it has a full charge but when I crank the engine more than a few times the battery seems to start to be drained of its power. Would this be more likely a problem with the starter or starter solenoid? Also if I replace the starter should I also replace the starter solenoid?

Thanks, Mark

 

[Bosunsmate]

might be the battery

 

[mark156531]

The starter was only engaging intermittently so I replaced it. I'm wondering if its common practice to replace the solenoid when you replace the starter and if a solenoid can be the cause of a power drain on the battery?

Thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Agree, load test the battery-it could have a bad cell. The only way a solenoid can drain the battery is if the internal contacts stay closed after starting. That means the starter continues to be powered and will rotate long after the engine has been started and is running. It could run the starter for days unless you hear it running after the engine is shut off and disconnect it. A very rare situation-but it's happened. Typically happens on really old solenoids-like yours may be.

 

[boobie]

You could have a new defective battey. Seen it before.