Intermittent Starter

[TVZ]

I just got out my 1971 Evinrude Twin Ski 40. It was stored under tarp in the yard for the winter. The electric starter initially did not do anything. Did not turn over at all. Finally for some reason it did work. Then it worked intermittently. Sometimes it repeatedly would not turn over; but then when I pushed the remote choke button, and the starter did work. The starter now seems to be working. But of course I'm afraid it will fail me sometime out in the middle of the lake. Any idea what would cause this behavior?

 

[Chris1956]

Broken wires/windings in starter, dirty connections in ign keyswitch, wiring harness, solenoid, broken brushes in starter, bad ground somewhere.

If it were me, I would inspect all the wiring, clean all the connections and see if it helps. Next is to disassemble the starter, clean it up, inspect the brushes, etc. After that the solenoid and ign keywitch and their wiring is suspect.

 

[F_R]

First things first. Remove and clean battery terminals. Don't just look at them and wiggle them. Clean them shiny bright then reinstall tightly. This simple thing will cure 90% of such problems.

 

[440roadrunner]

I would pull the starter and inspect. May be internally rusty and bushings need lubed, anyhow. These old girls are incredibly non-critical. I've gotten several going by simply using emery cloth on the armature, blowing them all out with air, lubing up the bushings, and away we go. I have had a couple that got water down in, and were a corroded mess. Junk.

The solenoid/ contactor can ingest water as well. No fix, just replace

 

[racerone]

Check the safety switch on the motor.--Prevents starter motor from cranking with throttle too far advanced.---Yes it will start in gear !----Switch might need cleaning.----Yes they are easy to clean.