[Jeffprchr]

I have a 1983 115hp Evinrude. It has just started giving me problems when I start it. When I turn the ignition the motor drags like the battery is weak, will grind for a couple of times and then start. I have a new battery and checked the cables and connections. I took the starter off last winter, cleaned it all up and checked the brushes. Everything looked good. Once I had to pull start it with the rope, it didn't start but I tried it with the ignition after trying it with the rope and it fired right up without dragging.

Any ideas? Can I have starter checked like they do car starters?

Jeff

[DJ]

Keep it simple. Do the easy/cheap stuff first.

1. Remove the negative battery cable from the engine block and clean the cable end, block surface and bolt thoroughly

[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

[Jeffprchr]

Thanks guys. I'll give your suggestions a try and see what happens.

Jeff