[wisdom62]

I'm new to boats, Just got a 98 Evinrude 115hp 2stroke. In neutral I make sure bulb in firm, then choke start it. Usually starts up and idles kind of roughly, figured cause its 2stroke. But then it dies and is hard to turn over.My biggest question, after trying to crank it over a couple times, it stops cranking, i turn the key and it tries to crank a little then stops. I have to let it sit for a sec before trying to start it again, Is this normal or is there something wrong the the battery turning the starter, or the solenoid. Sorry if my question to to vague, Newby here still figuring things out. thanks for the help

[bhile]

Check all your electrical connections and be sure they are clean and tight. How old is the battery? If you don't know, it wouldn't hurt to have it load tested. Your local auto parts store should be able to do that for you.

[michael96048]

I just got the same motor and I had the same problem. Mine was sitting for 3 years with the same fuel and oil in the carbs so I naturaly drainded everything I could. I figured I would give it a go and try to start it. Didn't work.... When it turned over it would start for about 3 sec and die. I just took the 4 carbs off and cleaned them with about 3 cans of carb cleaner, put it back togeather, and it fired right up! So I sugest new fuel and oil along with a good cleaning. That 2 stroke oil mixed with the 3 year old fuel realy made a mess of things........GOOD LUCK!

Michael

[SKEETR]

I am in the process of fixing a similar problem. It still could be your solenoid but in my case it was a bad ignition switch. Corroded contacts not allowing starter to stay engaged and also preventing choke from operating properly.

[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