78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

[jwhite22]

So as the story goes...I bought the boat started fine. Installed a new stereo, now it won't start. I've checked the fuses I could locate. Did a search here on iboats. It seems as if it is not going into neutral, my 6 year old put it in gear while I was tinkering. I can jump the starter and it fires up. I am at a complete loss. The choke works. Any help?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

That engine has a safety switch within the control box that disables the electric starter circuit when in gear. Close the throttle, put the shift in neutral, that should do it if you're speaking of not being able to have the electric starter engage. You may need to juggle the lever somewhat if the switch is out of adjustment.

The power fuse (short 20 amp) is just a short distance from the starter solenoid in one of the smaller RED wires.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

did you wire the stereo off the ignition? nothing should be connected to ignition, other than motor related.

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

 

[jwhite22]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

So the boat just won't go back in neutral. Read some other posts that talk about slowly turning the prop while trying to put back in neutral, doesn't work. I do get a small clicking noise from the lower unit while turning the prop. Any ideas?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

could be broken gear in control box, disconnect cable at motor and try to shift manually. if it shift manually, you have a control box problem.

 

[jwhite22]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

yeah, it's in the the control box. before i take it apart...any warnings. thanks for your help.

Ok. How do you take it apart? I have the bottom half off, the throttle/shifter off, and the choke off. What am I missing?

 

[jwhite22]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

Took the control box apart. Adjusted the cables. With the box apart(ish) I was able to get it to start with the key. Put everything back together and it won't start. I'm thinking it's a bad neutral safety switch. How do I bypass the switch for short term to verify the problem? Thanks for your help.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

Jiggling the throttle handle....... if this action results in having the key engage the electric starter occasionally, the safety switch simply needs adjusting.

To bypass the safety switch.... simply connect the two wires at the safety switch together BUT only as a momentary test. DO NOT leave the switch in that condition as it would be a design for disaster.

 

[jwhite22]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

Thanks. That's what I thought. And yes, I just want to validate my assumption that switch is bad. I found on on ebay if need be. Thanks again.

 

[jwhite22]

Re: 78 Evinrude 85HP 85899 Won't Start

Ajusted and lube neutral safety and other than a low, now charging battery, she starts right up. Thanks for all the help.