1984 60hp starter issue

[jcjspringers]

New to the forum, but have been an outsider for many months. What a jackpot of info here. Hope someone can help me out.

I'm eyeing a smokercraft with a 60hp engine, but last night when I asked to go for a test drive, owner called back and said he had no response from the starter...had power to the bilge, lights, etc...but no reaction when trying to start. What could the possibles be? My searching has discovered possibly the fuse(looks like a red primer bulb) on the engine, bad silenoid(sp?), or bad starter. Any other possibilities and is this a major red flag for buying as is?

Thanks in advance!
Joel

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1984 60hp starter issue

fuse in the red holder 20 amp also.
90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[JB]

Re: 1984 60hp starter issue

The odds are 90% that it is a corrosion in the starter high current circuit, Joel. Other high probabilities are the ignition switch, neutral start switch.

Five starters and at least 10 solenoids get replaced for every one that is really bad. PLEASE do not throw parts at it. Simple troubleshooting steps are in "Outboard won't start" in the Engine FAQs

 

[JB]

Re: 1984 60hp starter issue

Dad gum it! Daddy outdrew me again. Well, at least we agree.