Starter Problem...or is it?

[patrolcarr]

Hello to all. I have a 2000 Yamaha 130hp 2 stroke. Here is my problem. I went down to the boat yesterday to prepare her for todays launch. After having sit all winter, it didnt start up as quickly as it normally does. Anyway, it finally turns over. I let it run at idle , the slightly above for about 15 minutes. I shut it down, and re-start her about 5 minutes later....no problem. Today I go down to be launched and figure Id put muffs on, start her up and let it warm up so Im ready to pull out as soon as im in the water. I try starting her up but she wont turn over, and it sound skind of weak(Although I charged my battery for a whole day). Then, all I get is a "click". Not a stacatto type of clicking, but a simple, single click. All other electric works, lights , trim etc... The battery is 2 years old, so I go get a new one and get the same problem. I call my Yamaha dealer and he lends me a brand new starter relay.......same problem. I checked all the connections many times. The terminals are spotless, with no corrosion on the cables. All the connections are tightly secured. So all Im left with...is a click. The relay is obviously getting power, but the started doesnt budge. Any ideas? Anything I can do before I spend all kinds of $$$$. This day didnt quit end as I has planned. But hey....it is Friday the 13th. Thanks to all....Pat

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

do you have a voltmeter ?

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

Actually, I have a multimeter. Is it the same thing? It has alot of different settings for different types of tasks.

 

[JB]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

Go to Engine FAQ, patrolcarr. Do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard wont start".<br /><br />Let us know what you find.

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

Hey JB, I'm heading down to the boat yard to troubleshoot according to the FAQ's page you provided. Just out of curiosity, what are the potential outcomes? What are the more common reason one may get this particular problem? I have ruled out the relay switch because I replaced it(borrowed from my dealer) and still had the click. I replaced the battery, and removed and cleaned all connections. Whats left?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

only thing left is to do a voltage drop tests between the + batt and the relay,across the relay and from the + batt term to the starter. also do a volt drop test between the engine ground and the - batt term. none sould be more than .o4 volts. with a max of .08 volts total.<br /> if its a 25" motor drop the gearcase and inspect the shaft steady bushing for corrosion before condeming the starter. sometimes they will corrde and clamp the driveshaft

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

I went down to the boat with my friend and did the following. Just to be sure, re-inspected ALL connections. I removed each and brushed it with a wire brush. Anyway, this is what we did, and what happened: I turned the ket to the Start position and held it there, as I held it my friend rotated the armature. At certain points, an obvious contact was made and it takes off,but it was only temporary. It only spun in place, and it only did so when it hit a certain point.It seems that maybe there isn't a FULL contact being made within the unit. Is the starter shot,,,or is a service all it needs? This is my first problem, ever, with a starter.

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Starter Problem...or is it?

Hello all. I just wanted post the results of my starter problem. After bypassing the starter relay, and applying power directly to the starter itself, the result was the same.....nothing. I removed the starter motor and brought it to my Yammy dealer, who in turn sent me to his starter repair shop. He opened it up in front of me and the problem was a frayed wire. Actually, it wasnt "frayed", it had simply come apart. There are two major wires at the top of the unit(-/+ I assume), one of which was simply unattached. It was the mechanics opinion that it was a manufacturers defect. There was an abundant amount of grease on the inside of the unit which he found very unusual. He said it should have been totally dry, with no type of grease/lube where it was present in mine. He, as I, was baffled byhow it got there. He said the weakening of the bad wire seemed to have been the result of bad balance within the unit. Thanks to all for your help. It is always appreciated, especially JB and Rodbolt-----as usuaul. Thanks. God Bless.Pat.