Electrical issues to starter

[bbroskey]

I have a 1978 75hp Johnson. When I turn the key nothing happens. I have a push choke on my key switch that clicks, so I know the power is there, but nothing will engage the starter. I have used jumper cables directly from the battery to the starter and it kicks the starter right up starting the engine. What could cause the problem from the ignition switch to the starter. Any information would be great.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

Check all + and - terminations for tightness and clean. If they're all OK, solenoid is likely bad.

 

[sparkroost]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

Take a jumper wire and put it on the solenoids Big leg that has 12V on it(should be the lowert post). Then take the other end and "touch" it to the small terminal where there is a wire attached. Does it bump the starter? If so you have a problem with either the switch in the control box for neutral, or the neutral safety switch located on the throttle linkage or... a broken wire pertaining to the neutral safety switch or control box neutral switch.

 

[bbroskey]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

What makes the situation even more difficult is that if I try and try to keep turning the key and pumping the push in choke sometimes the starter will kick up. Can the solenoid sometimes work and other times not work like its going bad ?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

Solenoid is just a very heavy duty switch. When contacts inside get burned/oxidized, operation may vary from intermittant to inoperable. If all cables are OK, solenoid is very likely the bad actor, especially since you've already bypassed the solenoid with a jumper cable and got proper starter operation.

 

[bbroskey]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

Thanks everyone for the help! I am on my way to the local boat shop to get a new solenoid. Only $28. I will post a reply to let everyone know what happened for future situations like mine.

 

[sparkroost]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

only 28.00! Wow. I bought one this weekend for a 1983 ford mustang. 8.00. I guess they see ya coming at the stealer.

 

[bbroskey]

Re: Electrical issues to starter

This question is more towards sparkroost who mentioned the neutral safety switch. When you take apart the throttle handle is this the yellow box with a spring type button that rests against the throttle lever ?