Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

[jason027]

Hello,

I have a 1979 Evinrude 35 HP that I can pull start no problem, but when i try to start with the key, it behaves as if the battery is dead - meaning it trys to turn over but just can't quite seem to do it. my multimeter says the battery is full (even tested at the far end where the cables come in to the engine). I have even tried a second battery that starts my 40HP Mariner without issue. After its running for a bit and I shut it off and try the key right away, it often starts. What gives? Also, between where the battery cables tie in to the engine and the starter itself, is a little black mystery box (maybe a coil or something?) - what is it and could it be the problem - or should i replace the starter? Thank in advance - this forum is a live saver!

Jay on Georgian Bay

 

[Daviet]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

Are you getting voltage to the starter when you turn the key? Could the little black box be the starter solenoid? The solenoid controls voltage to the starter.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

Could also be a bad connection, wires or ground, check all points.

 

[jason027]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

Are you getting voltage to the starter when you turn the key? Could the little black box be the starter solenoid? The solenoid controls voltage to the starter.

What sort of voltage should i see going to the starter - meaning how would i know if its the solenoid or not - and would i have to be turning the key to see the voltage before/after the solenoid?

Jay

 

[Daviet]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

Have you got a volt meter or test light? Does the solenoid click when you turn the key, if so start at the battery, check voltage, should be about 12 volts, follow the positive battery cable into the engine, it should go to one side of the solenoid, have you got the same voltage there? The other side of the solenoid should go to the starter, turn the key to start and check the voltage going to the starter, is it the same as the battery side of the solenoid, it should be. Now go to the starter itself and check for voltage there when you turn the key to start, what is it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

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.

Be sure the cables area connected to the correct battery post. crossing cables, usually blows the rectifier, and can blow more.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[jason027]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

Thanks guys - good suggestions. I will give them a go.

 

[Al-53]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

clean all connections from battery to starter..both positives and grounds...use a scoth brite pad on connectors and studs and lugs...check the cable from the solenoid to starter....they seem to be the first one to corrode on the inside when over heated..look for bulges...or signs of a hot spot...

Al

 

[jason027]

Re: Can pull start but not key start 1979 35 HP

So i cleaned up all the terminals and connections, but in the end, it did turn out to be the starter. I eventually figured this out by bypassing everything and connecting a wire from the battery directly to the starter (bypassing solenoid in the process) and the same problem happened. I figured a starter would either work or not - but rather it behaved like it wasn't getting enough juice. Anyway, thanks for all your tips - didn't hurt to clean up the connections i figure.