Solenoid Test

[parsleap]

Can anyone tell me what I should do to test a solenoid on a 1975 85 HP Evinrude? I have a multimeter, but am just making guesses. History - turned key the other day, nothing. Tested out iginition switch, neutral switch - everything seems to be working. Starter will spin right up when I short the solenoid, so I'm thinking it's the solenoid. Any help appreciated, specifically what I should be looking for as far as voltages when in the START position.<br />Thanks,<br />AP

 

[JB]

Re: Solenoid Test

Howdy, AP.<br /><br />First, confirm that the starting switch is getting 12V to the solenoid small terminal with the key in START. <br /><br />If not, jump from the solenoid hot terminal (from battery) to the small terminal (from starter switch). If the starter engages your solenoid is good and you have a wiring problem. If not, you have a bad solenoid.<br /><br />If you haven't isolated the problem with the above, let us know what you found and we can do something else.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[parsleap]

Re: Solenoid Test

JB,<br />Thanks for the reply, but it seems intuitive to me that If I have to jump the solenoid, that it is NOT working correctly, and that the solenoid needs replaced. <br /><br />I haven't had the extra set of hands to check the voltage yet, but I do know that if I jump the solenoid, that the starter jumps right up and does its thing. <br /><br />So is my solenoid good, or bad? Don't mean to second-guess, just having a hard time understanding.<br />Respectfully<br />AP

 

[ob]

Re: Solenoid Test

By performing JB's test you are not jumping or bypassing the solenoid but rather directly applying 12 volts to the ignition terminal of the solenoid that energizes the electromagnetic coil within the solenoid that closes the contacts between the two large 12 volt cables that are on either side of the solenoid.<br />In short ,if JB's test results in the cranking of the starter motor,your problem lies in the switch or the wiring to or from the switch.<br /><br />Jumping the two large 12 volt cables simply tests the starter motor,not the operation of the solenoid.<br /><br />A month later you're still messing with the solenoid?

 

[parsleap]

Re: Solenoid Test

Thanks ob, didn't know what was going on there...<br /><br />And yes, I'm still messing with the solenoid... well, the wiring now, it would seem.<br /><br />I'm getting married in two days and I haven't really had a chance to do anything with it. Poor excuse, I know.<br /><br />Thanks OB and JB<br />AP