Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

[IGKNIGHTED]

Hello- I have a 1969 Evinrude 115 outboard with Selectric shift that won't start. It started and ran great last week but yesterday it started and stalled twice and then I turned the key and get nothing at all- not even a solenoid click. I tested the battery and it is fully charged, I cleaned all the wiring connections and still nothing.
Heres the weird thing- I can jump the starter and it engages the flywheel but barely spins it. I can only move the flywheel by hand a little bit BUT if I take the spark plugs out it turns over with ease. I'm guessing it's stuck in gear or something so it wont crank over properly but the prop spins freely so I'm lost. Any ideas?

(ps I just had the lower unit resealed and several selectric components replaced a month ago)

 

[LongLine]

Re: Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

If you turn the engine over with the plugs out and the prop doesn't move, I would guess it's not stuck in gear.

Have you checked the starter itself? It may be "tired". i.e. not enough guts to overcome the compression of the engine.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[IGKNIGHTED]

Re: Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

Starter is new- it was replaced when the lower unit was repaired. I suppose it could be defective.

 

[glassmaster68]

Re: Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

have you checked compression?,make sure all cyl are within 10 psi of each other,,,if they arent ,they will work against each other,,,,,,,it should turn with ease with no plugs in,as the compresion is going right out of the plug hole

 

[IGKNIGHTED]

Re: Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

I got it running- halelujah!

Apparantly the battery is bad even though it tested above above 13 volts. I charged for about 20 minutes until the digital readout said "full" and then jumped the starter and it turned real slow. I put the charger back on it and cranked again and it cranked over good. It took a few tries becuase it would fire once and stop the bendix engagement but it finally took off and ran good and shifted properly. ( I had muffs on it while running)

I still need to figure out why I have no power to the starter from the ignition key. I tried a test light on the back of the ignition but I'm not sure where to find a ground. I'll search the forums for key switch testing.

This has been a frustrating yet educational experience I would be lost without this site- thanks everyone.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Only cranks over with spark plugs removed??

one thing to check for why you arent getting anything when turning the key is that the throttle isn in the start position. if not then nothing will happen when you turn the key.