1984 35hp evinrude won't start

Hi all, I'm a newbie when it comes to boats and would appreciate some help. Purchased this boat that has been sitting for over one year but was running fine last time it was started. When I turn the ignition on or off I just hear a faint click. Jumped the solenoid and the starter came on but it wont shoot out to grab the motor gear, also I can jump the solenoid with the ignition on or off and the starter comes on regardless. I'm thinking i may need a new solenoid? or is there some safety interlock that would prevent the solenoid from turning on?
ANY help much appreciated.

Re: 1984 35hp evinrude won't start

If it clicks, all the safety devices are working. It MIGHT be a bad solenoid, but not necessarily. It also MIGHT be a bad starter, but not necessarily. It also MIGHT be a dead or descharged battery. Or corroded battery cables/connections. Are you noticing the maybes?

ALWAYS check the battery first. Many places like Auto Zone will load test it free. The second step ALWAYS is to clean the battery terminal connections. Don't just look at them, CLEAN them shiny bright.

If you haven't found the problem by now, then it is voltage check time. Or go out and buy un-needed parts. Hey, it stimulates the economy.

Re: 1984 35hp evinrude won't start

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.

Be sure the cables area connected to the correct battery post. crossing cables, usually blows the rectifier, and can blow more.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad