Tohatsu Starter Not Turning Flywheel

[Craptin Mypants]

Alright, I have a 30hp Tohatsu M30C3 from the late 80s. It runs very well. Starts on the first rip every time. I recently had an electric start installed on it that was salvaged from a early 90s Tohatsu 25hp M25C2. When I connect the battery the choke solenoid works. Turning the key the starter shoots up and engages the flywheel, turns it very slowly and when you let off the key the starter does not retract from the flywheel.

The engine still pull starts and runs like a top. Any ideas what it could be? I have tried a couple of deep cycle marine batteries that I had tested and were good. I also tried the brand new battery in my truck (although connected via jumper cables to the battery cable for the outboard).

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu Starter Not Turning Flywheel

Does it work when you jump a good battery directly to the starter motor (bypassing the motor wiring and solenoid, etc.)? Was the starter motor working properly when it was on the donor motor? Have you done the starter circuit checks in the Factory service manual?