Starter Problems

[starcraftlegasea]

I recently bought a 1988 evinrude 90hp engine. When I got it home, I tried to start it and the cable that runs to the starter began to smoke (it was very hot to the touch). I wasn't on the ignition for very long before it began doing this, and moreover, the engine wore out the battery within about a minute of trying to start it. Does anyone have any advice for me? Did I get ripped off? Thanks

 

[Ralphy]

Re: Starter Problems

First thing to do is check your connections for corrosion. Start at battery terminals and work your way up to the starter. Make sure they are shiny clean and tight.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Starter Problems

Remember the cables rot from the inside out, and where theres heat,there's resistance, and basically there's a problem. I would follow the instructions as stated above, yet adding to change all your wires and terminals if not able to shine/restore. There's really not that much footage and then you wont have to worry about it.

 

[starcraftlegasea]

Re: Starter Problems

Thanks guys. I'll give that a try.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Starter Problems

Hightrim gives some good advice. Years ago it cost me $130 to find out I had a lug on one of the battery cables corroded on the inside. Any sign of corrosion at all at the base of the lug - replace it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter Problems

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

 

[starcraftlegasea]

Re: Starter Problems

Thanks for the help. However, I don't know where the solenoid is for the starter. Is it in the engine? The only solenoids that I know of in my boat are the ones for the power trim.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter Problems

this is a picture of a starter solenoid, on a same motor, it has a remote start switch attached to it to test the starter. but, i don't believe the solenoid is your problem bad cables, or dirty connections are my #1 bet.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-005S.jpg

 

[jimbo8489]

Re: Starter Problems

most definately if you saw that much smoke off the wires your starter solenoid is shot. try directly jumping cables from the battery to your starter if it doesn't smoke then its your solenoid. they're like 30 bucks. easy.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Starter Problems

most definately if you saw that much smoke off the wires your starter solenoid is shot. try directly jumping cables from the battery to your starter if it doesn't smoke then its your solenoid. they're like 30 bucks. easy.

don't buy any parts till you've followed the advice previously given.

looking at the starter motor, find the red cable attached and follow it to the solenoid.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter Problems

agree with Jtexas, troubleshoot first, then spend. throwing unneccessary parts, is a total waste of gas money.

 

[starcraftlegasea]

Re: Starter Problems

The end of the wire that connects into the bottom of the starter is the part that is burning. When I took the wire off I noticed that the area where the wire connects was very dirty (black soot probably from the burning). Also, the picture that was posted earlier looks as though the wire has washers on both sides of the connection. However on my motor the wire connection was pressed directly against the starter (could this be the reason it started to smoke?). I want to replace all the hardware so is there special kind of washers I should get. Also, should I use a special type of cleaner to remove any dirt and grime from the connections. Thanks a lot guys I appreciate it.