[riden]

I am a complete newbie.I bought a boat and am learning as I go, I bought it yesterday. I am mechanically inclined and not as dumb as this 1st post may appear.Haven't put the boat in the water yet, it is a 78 Lund custom, in good shape.Motor is a 94 Evinrude 90 V-4In the yard when I turn the key the starter spins but the shaft doesn't move and engage the flywheel.What could cause this? Is it possible that the leg must be filled with water??Any newbie sites would also be appreciated.

[OBJ]

Welcome riden! Just keep in mind....there are NO dumb questions here.Do a couple simple things first....take some WD40 or some light lube and put several dabs around the starter bendix shaft and work the bendix up and down.Make sure the battery is fully charged and the connections from the battery to the engine are all clean and tight...including the grounds.Give the starter another try. If the bendix pops up and engages the flywheel and she cranks...should be good to go.If it seems the starter still lacks the power to get the bendix up, jump across the starter solenoids two large posts with a screw driver. If the engine starts to crank good, then likely the solenoid is in need of replacement.Give it a shot and post back and let us know what ya' find.

[riden]

Thanks OBJI ordered a manual.I will give that a try in the AM, good advice.Edited to add: I put on charger on the battery and wow is it sucking juice. I saw the starter spinning and thought the battery have lots of junk.I am sure on the bottom end of the learning curve on these outboards.Thanks again, let you know what happens.

[riden]

It was the battery causing all the trouble.Thanks again

[DHPMARINE]

And now you are a step up on that learning curve. Keep asking and learning.That's what this is all about.DHP

[OBJ]

And thanks for posting back....could help some else.....good job riden!

[riden]

Good chance I will be back with more questions. Not real comfortable knowing so little, I don't want to be at the bottom of this curve for long.Thanks again