Bad voltage to starter

Rwhitcomb

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Joined
Apr 28, 2021
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2
I have a 1994 evinrude 200. Started it up on Saturday after winter-first crank. Let it run for a few mins, turned it off went to give it one more crank and nothing. Assumed the starter took a crap and ordered a new one and a new solenoid. Neither fixed the problem. Batteries have good voltage all the way to the right side of solenoid, and goes to 3 volts on the starter. Trim tilt Is also slow-brand new motor. Anyone had anything like this happen?
 

Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,760
what is the right side.. of the selenoid ??? . is it the side feeding the starter itself ? if yes do you see 12v at the selenoid post dropping to 3v at the other end of the same cable on the starter ??

if yes cable crimps may be oxydized .. try wiggling twisting the cable to see if voltage comes up at the starter post

if yes ... bad cable or bad crimp

have you cleaned 12 volt supply all terminal points & grounds on the selenoid and starter side ? check all cable crimps

is the starter properly grounded with good clean ground cable ??

voltage readings are kind of meaningless unless the full current carrying capacity of the wires
is available. any resistive point can still allow you to do voltage readings but....without the amps it just won't do the job.
 
Last edited:

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,681
Load test the battery and inspect the battery cables.-------Sorry ---I can't believe anyone would just order a new starter without inspecting the old one.----Easy to inspect and put new brushes in for a spare.
 

Rwhitcomb

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Apr 28, 2021
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Load test the battery and inspect the battery cables.-------Sorry ---I can't believe anyone would just order a new starter without inspecting the old one.----Easy to inspect and put new brushes in for a spare.
No need to be rude. Checked the starter out. Seemed like the motor was shot at the time. Its original to the motor
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
Disassemble the original starter (remove the long vertical bolts), taking care not to lose the springs at the bottom. Spray it with carb cleaner and let it dry. Check the brushes and springs (bottom) if worn or rusted, replace them. Bench test (good spare, potentially).

Cable to your tested battery need to be clean and shiny (sandpaper). For testing a starter, can always jump from your vehicle (pos. to post on the side of the starter, neg. to mounting bracket.)
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,218
If you use carb cleaner on a starter windings, there is a very good chance the solvents in the carb cleaner will dissolve the varnish on the winding wires, ruining the starter by causing may shorted windings.
 
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