Engine will not start; starter does not engage

[bayamon25]

Hello all. I have a 1989 Force 125 HP. Just rebuilt (pistons, rings, head gasket, water pump, etc.) and put engine back together. When I try to start it, the starter will not engage the flywheel. The engine turns by hand. The battery is new, the power trim works, the gas needle moves with key on. I assembled all the cables they the were. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Engine will not start; starter does not engage

Congrats on the rebuild.<br /><br />When you turn the key...do you hear the clip of the solenoid?<br /><br />If not...check the yellow wire at the soleniod for 12 volts when the key is in the start position.<br /><br />Have you applied 12v directly to the starter?<br /><br />TMD

 

[bayamon25]

Re: Engine will not start; starter does not engage

TMD, this is what I got so far;<br />1. Recharged battery and when I turn the key nothings happens, when I push the key in (choke) the starter turns but it wont engage. When I cut on the power trim the starter also turns but dont engage.<br />2. Removed starter and applied 12 volts and it moves up and down.<br />3. The solid yellow cable from one side of the solenoid hooks up to a small black case with a reset button on one side and 2 screws on the other side.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Engine will not start; starter does not engage

If you push in the choke and the starter turns..you have some wiring issues. Yellow wire goes to the S on the switch..Green goes to the C.<br /><br />After this is repaired. Check to see if the cables are tight on both the battery and the engine.<br /><br />TMD

 

[bayamon25]

Re: Engine will not start; starter does not engage

Forgot to say that I did not hear a click from the solenoid. Any way to test the solenoid? Could I have my wires connected wrong? Thanks.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Engine will not start; starter does not engage

The solenoid clicks..so that part if it is working. Take and jump the two large poles together and see if the starter spins.<br /><br />TMD