intermittent starting problem

[davy mcclelland]

Hi Guys,
1993/94 Evinrude e50rnlic.
I,ve experienced a starting issue recently with the motor. This dosent happen all the time, but it did occur twice on my last trip out.
Normally she fires up fine, but sometimes there seems to be a lack of power, & the starter will turn over very slowly, & stop, as if the battery is dead.
Hook on a booster pack & everthing fires up OK.
First thing I did was check the battery connections - they were good.
Checking the battery, showed a voltage of 12.66.
I feel that something within the motor itself is maybe on it,s way out, but would value any thoughts you boys would have, to point me in the right direction.
Thanks, DAVY

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: intermittent starting problem

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.

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

 

[ezeke]

Re: intermittent starting problem

Engine ground connections are a general problem, try disconnecting, cleaning reconnecting. Battery cables corrode inside the sheathing, building resistance. After cranking, you can often feel the problem that you can't see, because of the heat that is generated by resistance.

 

[ezeke]

Re: intermittent starting problem

You must have had that text in the can, TD.

 

[davy mcclelland]

Re: intermittent starting problem

As ever, thanks guys....
On inspecting the battery cables closely, I found them to be corroding under the sheathing, so will replace them.
Do I have to send for an OMC part, or is it OK to fab one from cable bought from an auto store???
Thanks, DAVY

 

[cx380]

Re: intermittent starting problem

If the problem still occurs after fixxing the wires you should have your battery load tested. Just because a battery reads 12.5 or more dosen't mean it still good.

 

[ezeke]

Re: intermittent starting problem

The best cables cost more but have fine, flexible wire that can take the flexing that takes place with turning and tilting. Auto cables are pretty much stable all of the time and don't need to be as flexible. Since there are a good number of outboard manufacturers plus aftermarket suppliers, you should find suitable outboard cables relatively easily.

 

[davy mcclelland]

Re: intermittent starting problem

Thanks for the advice lads!!
DAVY