Starting Problem

[surefire5]

I have a 97 75hp force. When I start the engine it cranks twice then cuts out. It should keep cranking, like a car, until it starts up but it doesn't. It takes quite a while before I can start the engine. Was wondering what this may be?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Starting Problem

Welcome surefire.<br /><br />Could be several things.<br />Weak battery, loose or corroded wiring, starter going bad, bad starter solenoid.<br /><br />I would start bu cleaning and tightening all connections and make sure that battery has a full charge.

 

[surefire5]

Re: Starting Problem

It's definitely not the battery, that's brand new. The wiring is clean as a whisle. It Could be the starter or starter solenoid. Any idea how I could go about testing the starter and solenoid?<br /><br />Thx

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Starting Problem

Battery could still be the problem. New batteries sitting on a shelf on a low charge can go bad pretty fast. In the 10 or so batteries I have bought in my life I have gotten two bad ones. You can have it load tested at any auto parts store usually for free. Is the new battery a cranking battery or a deep cell battery? Solinoid can be tested by disconnecting both big wires going to it only leaving the small wire attached. When someone turns the key to the start position you should read a short or close to zero ohms on a multi meter set to ohms. The leads should be hooked up to the studs that the big wires were connected to on the solinoid. Another test would be to leave the solinoid hooked up and connect the volt meter leads to where the big wires are connected to the solinoid. Put the meter on DC and select 20 Volt range. With the ignition in the run not start position you should read 12.75volts (this would be with a fully charged battery) When you have someone switch to the start position you should read zero volts on the meter. If so your solinoid is good.<br /><br />Chances are the starter needs to be rebuilt, cleaned or replaced. Good Luck