1980 85hp Johnson won't crank

[mark156531]

I have repeatedly turn the ignition key but the engine cranks only sporadically and it's taking more and more attempts to get a crank. Battery is good and I've put a voltage tester on the connections to the starter motor but no voltage is indicated when I turn the key. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to diagnose the problem?

Thanks, Mark

 

[64osby]

Test your switch with a meter.

 

[Boat Doctor1]

solenoid is bad!! yet have you tested it when key is turned/?? Yellow wire? powered?

 

[boobie]

Could be the ignition switch or the neutral safety switch. Test them both.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Get a set of automotive jumper cables and connect the starter direct to a known good battery. If the starter cranks normally (at least 250 rpm's) it's ok. The problem lies elsewhere, such as the key switch or the statrer solenoid. Fyi: If the solenoid is old, the internal contacts can get burned and won't transfer enough current to crank the starter.

 

[mark156531]

I was about to replace the solenoid but I decided to test the voltage at thee starter one more time. I found that when the key is turned there is 12.5 volts at the connection on the starter. Could it be that the solenoid is not really sending enough current or if I'm seeing 12.5 volts does that indicate that it's really the starter?

Thanks, Mark

 

[emdsapmgr]

Did you perform the starter test in #5, above? What are the results?