20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

[green head]

I have a 1978 20 HP Evinrude and the starter has just started giving me troubles. When I push the electric start button the starter spins but does not move vertically up to engage and start the engine. Any ideas on why this is happening and how to fix it?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Clean the Bendix gear so that it moves freely and very lightly oil.

Check state of charge of battery and condition of battery with a discharge test

Check and clean all connections from battery to starter including the negative.

(TD will be along in minute to say that 99% of starting problems are due to bad connections).

Finally, if all else fails, carefully bridge the two main terminals of the solenoid. If that does the business the the contacts in the solenoid are bad.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Vic am i that predicable?

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

 

[green head]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Thanks for your input. I replaced the battery cables in August with brand new cables and new terminal ends. I am guessing that is not the problem. I will check the solenoid after I get back from Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[green head]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

I looked over the solenoid and it looked ok as far as I could see. I didn't bridge the two terminals because I am afraid of frying something. How do I safely bridge the terminals? How would I clean and oil the Bendix gear?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

If the Bendix pinion moves perfectly freely it'll be OK.
If it doesn't then probably the best way is to undo the nut on the end of the shaft and remove it. (but I suppose that means removing the whole starter!) Clean it and the shaft and lubricate with just the merest trace of light oil. (in the days when cars had inertia type starters they always said not to oil at all)

Use a short length of heavy insulated cable to bridge the solenoid. Hold one end firmly on one large terminal then touch the other end on the other large terminal. Take care cos the starter will run and crank the engine. Keep fingers, hair, clothing etc well clear.

Don't assume that because you put new cables on recently there is no problem with them. Rather put checking them at the top of the list. Maybe a terminal not tight.

Missed out the possibility that the motor brushes could be worn or the commutator dirty.

But try to judge if the starter spins at the right/normal speed if it does then it's the Bendix sticking but if it doesn't it's one of the electrical problems

 

[psteurer]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

As a simple thing, have you had the battery tested? Could very well be a weak battery. I have had batteries that can take a full charge and appear great but then do exactly what you have described when I turn the key (under a load).

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Just go to the next page on this board. There is a guy with the same problem. The discussion went on for a couple day's with about 40 replies. One of those answers has to fit.

 

[green head]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Thanks I will try these things and post early next week.

 

[green head]

Re: 20 HP Evinrude Starter problems

Unfortunately winter has come and has hit with full force. The lake has 2 inches of ice now so the boat isn't getting wet again. Thanks for your suggestions I will try them in the spring.