Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

[erikpn]

I connected the starter directly to the battery, and they both work. The ignition switch or the solenoid are not sending power to the starter. I am utterly incompetent at figuring out the 10,000 wires running back and forth from the solenoid and the ignition switch. I have no idea which wire does what. Can I switch my 6 tab ignition switch with a 3 tab universal one?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

No you can't use the universal switch. It doesn't provide all the functions needed. Like choke and being able to turn the motor off. When you try to start it does the solenoid click? If it does, replace it. If it doesn't, look for a blown fuse under the cowling. If the fuse is good you may have a bad switch.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

No you can't use the universal switch. It doesn't provide all the functions needed. Like choke and being able to turn the motor off. When you try to start it does the solenoid click? If it does, replace it. If it doesn't, look for a blown fuse under the cowling. If the fuse is good you may have a bad switch.

No clicking and the fuse isn't blown. I connected a voltmeter between the S and the magneto and turned the key to crank, nothing happened.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

Can I convert it to manual start?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

While most switches and wiring are the same, It would be nice to know what size and year engine----


All electric start engines have a neutral interlock switch, usually at the shift linkage, usually on the opposite side from the starter motor. Sometimes, if the linkage is off a bit, the switch will not be depressed and the solenoid will not be energised. Look for a brown plastic switch about 2 inches long with two yellow wires connected to it. Depress the white button by hand and see if the engine cranks.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

While most switches and wiring are the same, It would be nice to know what size and year engine----


All electric start engines have a neutral interlock switch, usually at the shift linkage, usually on the opposite side from the starter motor. Sometimes, if the linkage is off a bit, the switch will not be depressed and the solenoid will not be energised. Look for a brown plastic switch about 2 inches long with two yellow wires connected to it. Depress the white button by hand and see if the engine cranks.

87 force 35. I didn't see a neutral interlock switch, it doesn't look like any electronics run to the controls. The ignition switch is on the dash and seems to run right past the controls.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

ok now i have the starter cranking, but the engine isn't turning over. ahhh!

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

ok now i have the starter cranking, but the engine isn't turning over. ahhh!

Do you mean that your starter is not engaging with the flywheel? the pinion gear on your starter may be stuck down. Try turning and pulling up the gear on the starter motor manually and spray some WD40 onto the shaft to free things up.

Also check your battery connections. A loose or corroded power connection or a low battery can cause the same thing.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

Do you mean that your starter is not engaging with the flywheel? the pinion gear on your starter may be stuck down. Try turning and pulling up the gear on the starter motor manually and spray some WD40 onto the shaft to free things up.

Also check your battery connections. A loose or corroded power connection or a low battery can cause the same thing.

its engaging, but the motor isn't firing. Tomorrow I will check if I am getting a spark. Everything was working last week except that the motor wasnt turning off when I turned the key to the off position.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

sounds like a bad switch to me...

 

[204Angler]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

Ignition switch or spark box

 

[Stachi]

Re: Electricity is not going to the starter, incompetent at diagnosing, help?

the switch can be tested with a volt/ohmmeter...you will need a wiring diagram to know what pins should have continuity at each switch position...