Motor Won't Crank Over

[dblanton]

I have a 1981 Evinrude 75 hp, I am experiencing intermitting cranking problems, sometimes the motor will not crank at all, there is no clicking sounds at the solenoid or the starter, it's like there is no battery connected, but if I wait a few minutes (say 5 min) it will crank just fine for the next several times then later it will not crank at all until I let it set for a few minutes then it will crank over. I have checked all the connections for the starter etc. and all of them are tight and do not have any corrosion. I have replaced the ignition switch but that didn't cure the problem. I have checked the neutral safety switch and it seems to be functioning fine. Any suggestions as to what may the problem would be appreciated.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Motor Won't Crank Over

You have got to check it out systematically. But first did you also check the negatinve connections between battery and engine

Start by checking to see if power is applied to the solenoid coil when the switch is operated. If not then check that power is reaching the switch.

Dont just keep replacing bits. Find the fault then cure it.


A bulb on a couple of leads with crocodile clips could be the best thing to use. Clip one onto the motor somewhere. Use the other to trace how far the power is getting.

 

[dblanton]

Re: Motor Won't Crank Over

Yes, I've checked all connection both on the positive side and the negative and they are tight and clean.

 

[dblanton]

Re: Motor Won't Crank Over

I have replaced the solenoid (with a new solenoid) and checked the continuity on the leads from the ignition switch back to the motor where the two big red connectors plug together and out to the solenoid and the meter shows continuity. I have checked the fuse and it is good, and I have power to the ignition switch. (the switch is also new) I checked the continuity on neutral safety switch and it is good. The battery is fully charged, but still the motor won't crank over.
The engine has never overheated and the temperature buzzer has never sounded, but if the Temperature Sensor Switch is bad could this cause the motor not to crank over?
The reason I asked is because this started out as an intermitting problem, when the motor would not crank over I would let it sit a few minutes then it would crank over.

 

[JB]

Re: Motor Won't Crank Over

Visual inspection and continuity checks are not adequate for the starter high current circuit, DB. It takes less than .01 of one ohm resistance to screw it up. You would never see that on an ohmmeter or continuity checker

Go to the Engine FAQs and do the voltmeter checks in "Outboard won't start".