[pynkerton]

ok, I am completely baffled over this deal. My motor works fine, and fires almost every time immediately. But before it will even start turning, I have to tap my solenoid with something.I thought it may have been a problem with the solenoid itself, but I replaced it and the problem exists.Once I tap the solenoid once, it continues to work unless I let it get cold. Then only a tap is necessary and we are rolling again. Tapping the housing or the wires attached won't do anything. The solenoid itself has to be thumped. What can I do to diagnose?Any thoughts would help.Thanks

[Paul Moir]

Welcome to Iboats!A HP or name would be helpful. I take it this is a V-4 or a 35hp? Sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere. Get a multimeter, set it for DC Volts (expect around 12). Touch one probe to one of the small posts on the solenoid and the other to the other post. Get someone to crank the engine and note the reading. If it's less than 12 volts, then attach one lead to one small terminal and the other lead to the negative terminal on the battery and try again. Do the same for the other terminal. Check the wires on each small terminal and see which direction it leads, towards the engine or towards the keyswitch.We'll go from there.

[pynkerton]

Sorry about that. It is a 1959 50 hp Evinrude Starflite. I will try what you said and see what it gives me. It's already more help then I can find anywhere locally. Thanks for taking the time. I'll post my findings when I . . . . .well find them. lol

[Paul Moir]

No trouble at all. A Fat 50: got to like an engine with that much style. As you probably guessed, I'm suspecting you've got low voltage at the solenoid coil winding. Those tests will confirm it and tell us if we need to be headed toward the safety switch or the keyswitch.

[pynkerton]

Oh, that I do. It is a sweet looker. And I am very happy with how well she runs, when I have her going.I have her put on a 1962 Redfish. Neat old Fiberglass boat with fins on it like a 1957 Chevy. I have been having a hard time finding anyone who knows anything about the boat either. Any thoughts on where I might find some info on the boat itself? Value, family models, etc. Thanks again for all your help.

[rickdb1boat]

Here's some info on the Redfish Boats: Be sure to click on the links at the left for pics and such. Man, those are neat old boats..... web page redfishclassics

[pynkerton]

thanks for the web page. But I have seen that page before. The old RedFish company closed down, and now there is a new red Fish, but evedently no ties to the old one. My boat has been forgotten in time. lolEvery now and then someone will tell me that they saw one at a boat show, but no one ever knows much more then that. It may be worth a lot, it might not be worth a penny. Who knows. It floats though, and looks cool as heck with that old Starflite on there, what else does a man really need? lol If I could just get her running like she should.

[rickdb1boat]

I know I would for sure hang on to that one. Hard to find those old classics in good shape. Good luck with her and post a couple of pics if you can.....

[BoatBuoy]

If you haven't found fiberglassics.com, there's a gaggle of folks over there that love those old Redfish.