No electrical power to starter

[jimpittman]

I don't know if this belongs in this forum but I didn't know where to put it.

1988 Evinrude. Took it fishing today. No problem. Got home. Washed the boat and tried to crank the motor. It turned over and tried to start and died. This is not unusual as I trailer my motor up and I guess carburators leak down. Tried to crank it again and have no electrical power. Auxilliary power works. Where do I start looking. Could be a fuse but where is it located.
Anyone who can help me please.
jimpittman

 

[JB]

Re: No electrical power to starter

Start with checking the position of your shifter, Jim. Neutral start switch could be off.

Next, check all connections in the starter high current circuit. Don't just look; take them off and clean them.

If the above fail, go to the Engine FAQs and do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start".

Good luck, and let us know what you find.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: No electrical power to starter

If I read your post correctly, the 20 amp fuse at the starter may also have blown. It will be in a red twist together connector, for lack of a better description.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: No electrical power to starter

right hand side of picture, 1/3 way from bottom.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: No electrical power to starter

Bingo. Problem solved thanks to your leads.
Battery had an instantaneous dead short during the time I was starting my engine. No prior indication of battery trouble. Battery showed 12.5 volts but would drop to 4.5 and lower under load. Battery will not charge.
Hooked up my trolling battery to the motor and it ran like a top.
Thanks again for all your help.
jimpittman

 

[Silvertip]

Re: No electrical power to starter

So the next test should be to check battery voltage with the engine running at about 1500 RPM. Less than 13 volts says the charging system is not working.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: No electrical power to starter

Excently thought.
Will do that tomorrow when it is a little less windy and a little warmer outside.
jimpittman