40HP Big Twin will not start

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

My local dealer has the woodruff key in stock, so I'm headed over there to pick it up along with stopping at the auto parts store for a torque wrench.<br /><br />I do have another question though ... on the site Paul recommended (http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/), they say to use J6C spark plugs. I am using J4C. Which is best?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

OceanMist,<br /><br />In reality, you can use either one. If you will be mostly running at high speed, use the J4C. If you will be doing a good deal of low-speed running, then I recommend the J6C.<br /><br />I'm a fisherman, so I have J6Cs in my '58 Big Twin.<br /><br />Don't forget the link below in case you run into difficulties...one of my messages has a pretty darned good step-by-step on reinstalling your flywheel.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Uh, duh...here's the link:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=029310#000017

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Here are the two salient steps for re-installing the flywheel:<br /><br />1. Put the key in the keyway, with the bottom of the key flush with the outside of the crankshaft. The top will stick out a bit, but that's OK. Line up the flywheel keyway with the key and press the flywheel down onto the crankshaft. It will NOT go all the way down, but should not bind. Use a flashlight to make sure the key is lined up properly, then re-install the crankshaft washer (if any) and nut and slowly tighten it, using the flywheel holder to hold the flywheel still. The nut will draw the flywheel down and into its correct position.<br /><br />2. To do the final torquing, make sure everthing is lined up and that the flywheel holder is very secure. One person can do this, but you must make sure everything is secure so you don't slip. It's better to pull on the flywheel holder and push on the torque wrench. Don't let your hands get too far apart, and pay attention to how you are holding the tools. If the flywheel holder slips (and it probably will), you don't want to bash your knuckles while putting over 100 lb of force on the wrench. That hurts! If necessary, take another position. As you near the proper torque, push and pull steadily until you achieve the proper torque for your model.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Hello Gentlemen ...<br /><br />Start your engines ... cause I started mine!!! Now, before we all get too excited, this is what happened: I took out the old broken woodruff key, which luckily came out easily. I also found and removed (with a magnet) the piece that sheared off. I then filed down and cleaned the mating pieces and put in a new Woodruff Key, replaced everything, hooked up the battery charger to the starter and IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY!!! <br /><br />However, I had also received the BRAND NEW starter selinoid and replaced it, only to find that when I turned the key ... nothing happened. I tested for voltage and got 12Volts on the positive side of the selinoid, as well as 12V on the two top connections when I turned the key ... but nothing came out the side that goes to the starter. Now what?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

<br /><br />So the engine cranked fine with the old solenoid, but not with the brand new one? The little posts on the new solenoid - is one marked 'S' and the other 'I' or something? It could be the wrong solenoid (there are two that look identical).<br />Another posibility, was the throttle too far advanced when you cranked it? (There's a little cut-out switch between the engine block and the flywheel on the starboard side to prevent the engine from cranking if the throttle is past about 1/3 of the way).

 

[daveswaves]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

You are missing a ground somewhere, possibly the shift/throttle lever is not in the start position.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

No, it cranked fine when I jump started it with my battery charger at 12V/225A directly to the satrter. From what I remember when I looked at the selenoid (all of them I've seen actually), there are no markings on them at all. The one I got was from iboats and was part #18-5808.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

It is in the start position ... I make sure of that every time I try to start it ... but thanks for the reminder, as it is most often the simple things that are overlooked.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Ok, that's great. That's the right one.<br /><br />There should be two little wires on it, one that runs up to the dash and the other runs to the outboard. These are the two you got +12v off right? Well, follow the one that goes up to the outboard. It should head to a screw at the base of the vaccum cutout switch. The vaccum cutout switch is the thing on the side of the engine with wires and a hose coming out of it. The wire should then go up to that throttle cutout switch I was talking about. Does that wiring appear good?<br /><br />(Especially check the wire going to the thottle cutout switch, it just pulls out of the switch.)<br /><br />EDIT: DavesWave may be right. Hook up the battery to the outboard and using your set of jumpers, jump the two big terminals. You'll only need one jumper to do this (say the red ones). Does the engine crank when you do this?

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Yes Paul, they seem good. I will double check in the morning, but from what I remember when I had unplugged and replugged them from the tests I did earlier, they looked fine. The one going from the vacuum cutout switch to the safety switch I know looks good, as it isn't covered by anything... however the wire that goes to/from the selenoid is wrapped in tape with others before it emerges and mates with the vacuum switch. I'll look it over as best I can in the morning. Thank you again ... so very much for all of your help and support!

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

In your EDIT, you say to jump the two big terminals ... which exactly are they?

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

I will check back with you gentlemen in the morning, good night ... sweet dreams ... and thanks again... so much.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

I'm so glad it's starting. You fixed it! Congratulations. You'll get the solenoid problem sorted out shortly, I'm certain. I won't be around today, so I'll have to leave you in Paul's expert hands.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

When I jump the starter with the battery charger at 12V/225A, the motor starts righ up. When I hook up a jumper wire from the battery directly to the starter, the bendix spins, but does not engage the flywheel. Same thing happens with I jump the positive side of the selinoid directly to the starter. Both the vacuum cut out switch and the throttle cut out switch seem to be working, as the the throttle cut out switch gets it's power from the same connection as the vacuum cut out switch, and when I move the gas lever up, the throttle cut out switch works.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Spray that bendix with some WD-40, and it'll probably free right up. It doesn't sound too badly gummed up.<br /><br />Are you still not getting it started from the key switch? You may have switched wires on the little connectors on the solenoid by accident.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Measure the battery voltage. It might just be a dead battery causing the trouble.<br /><br />If that reads good (12.6v) then remove the heavy ground wire and clean up the connection real well.<br /><br />I'll be out of here too very soon, but I'll check in right before I leave.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

I am not getting it started from the key switch. Nothing at all happens when I turn the key. I measured the voltage on the battery, it is 12.07V. And when I turn the key both of the top terminals indicate they are getting 12.07V. But the other side of the seleniod that goes to the starter shows no current when I turn the key.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

I'm going out now to clean up the negative wire and will be back in a couple minutes.

 

[jchrans]

Re: 40HP Big Twin will not start

Okay, cleaned it up (had done it previously, but did a little more for good measure), and still nothing happens when I turn the key. Nothing at all .. no clicking or anything.