1988 Evinrude VRO 40 HP help!

[Mmficeman]

I bought a 1989 155 predator with a 1988 evinrude motor from family that was sitting for 3 years or so. when i first tried to start it, it cranked just a few times and clicked a little bit. i would turn it off and try again and i wouldnt hear anything what so ever. i bought a new battery, added a new solenoid and still nothing. i cleaned all cables to the solenoid and starter. i checked all of the inline fuses and they're all good to go. i bypassed the solenoid by taking jumper cables from the battery straight to the starter, and it jumped like crazy, im not sure what else to do. it sure seems though it may be something electrical, if it was something with fuel wouldn't it atleast crank?

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1988 Evinrude VRO 40 HP help!

Yes, the only reason it isn't cranking is because electricity isn't getting to the starter.

Jiggle the shift lever and try again.

It's clear from your jumper cable test that the battery and starter are both good, that just leaves solenoid, keyswitch neutral safety switch, and wiring.

The fact that your new solenoid doesn't "click" when you turn the key to start tells me that it isn't getting power. Make sure the black solenoid ground wire terminal is clean and tight on the engine block. Use a voltage meter or test light on the small solenoid input terminal with the key turned to "start" you should get 12V or more. If you get good voltage there and the solenoid doesn't engage, then it's faulty. If not, the keyswitch, wiring harness or neutral safety switch are faulty.

Keyswitch should test positive for continuity between terminals "B" and "S" with the key turned to "start". Neutral safety switch should be closed with the shifter in neutral, open otherwise.