Won't start but runs fine 1997 48hp

M

marcusrav

Cadet
Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
15
Went out with the family on wednesday (2 feet or less) everything was fine. dropped them off they went home and i wanted to cruise around and see the sun set. i shut off the mototr then after a little while tried to start it. nothing would happen. I changed the battery and still nothing. Thought I was stuck until I thought of using the rope around the fly wheel. I placed the key in the on position and vroooom. Made it back. Today I changed the ignition switch and still won't start but if I use a battery directly to starter then vrooom no problems. I'm thinking electrical problem but please let me know where to start. thanks
 
D

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Won't start but runs fine 1997 48hp

Check the small 20 amp fuse back on the motor. Its an in-line fuse near the solenoid.
 
B

Basscat 1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 11, 2005
Messages
444
Re: Won't start but runs fine 1997 48hp

Check the nuetral safety switch.
 
D

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Won't start but runs fine 1997 48hp

OK, now have a friend put a test light on the starter solenoid between ground and the small terminal with the yellow wire. Then try the key in the start position. Be careful of the flywheel just in case it works. <br /><br />If you get juice there but the starter still doesnt engage, the solenoid may be bad. If you get no light, the neutral safety switch may be bad or the key switch.
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Won't start but runs fine 1997 48hp

Have you removed and cleaned all of the starter high current circuit cables, Marcus?<br /><br />Your description is classic for a bad (low resistance) ground on the engine block to battery cable.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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