'66 Johnson 40 - no power getting to starter

[Sozzy1269]

I recently aiured a '66 Johnson 40 electric start, model 40653B to replace my '63 Evinrude 28 Super Sea Horse. The 28 lost compression, so I have taken the starter from it, as well as a couple other items to piece together the 40, as the starter was bad and it was missing a couple items.

I have installed the wiring and box that came with the 40, and am fairly certain that I have everything put together properly, but I am not getting any power to the non-battery large post of the solenoid, where the starter cable connects. I have tride both solenoids, both ignition switches, in all combinations I can think of. I am getting switched power to the left small post. I simply cannot get it to power the starter.

When I hard wire 12volts to the starter, it spins up just fine, so I know the starter is good.

I can pull start the engine, and though I have only fired it shortly, it sounds healthy.

I am pretty new to the world of boats, but am pretty well versed in vehicles. I understand the magneto system on my motors is quite different that a car.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[boobie]

Ground out the other small terminal on the solenoid and try it.

 

[Sozzy1269]

That did it! I knew it had to be something easy. Thanks a bunch. Got it running with the ear muffs and she revs up strong.

 

[gm280]

Don't know about your engine setup, but usually the grounded side of the starter solenoid has a neutral grounding switch to prevent starting in any gear. So check for such a switch and connect the little grounding side through that neutral switch. If your engine doesn't have such a safety setup, please make sure you start the engine only when in neutral... JMHO!