1975 johnson starter solenoid clicks

[meatloaf]

Hi guys, thanks for any replies. My solenoid on my 25 johnson works some of the time and only clicks some of the time. Does this mean the solenoid is going bad? It seems to work about 50% of the time. Thanks

[tx1961whaler]

It's probably not the solenoid; it's probably the battery cables or the battery.
Follow the steps here:
http://forums.iboats.com/engine-frequently-asked-questions-faq/outboard-wont-start-158071.html

[tashasdaddy]

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.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

[F_R]

The link previously posted tells it all. However if you suspect the solenoid is bad, do this simple test:

Clip a voltmeter's leads onto the two big solenoid posts, red lead to the side with the battery cable. Meter should read battery voltage. Now, try to start it. Voltage should go to zero, or close to it. If it only clicks and voltage stays close to battery voltage, solenoid is bad. If it clicks and voltage goes low but doesn't crank, trouble is not the solenoid...look elsewhere.

This is called a voltage drop test and can be applied to any suspected bad connection by connecting the voltmeter leads across the connection.