12v not getting to starter solenoid

[lncovert]

I have a 1981 115HP Johnson outboard. It always ran great, but haven't run it in 2 years. Tried cranking yesterday and the starter solenoid clicked but starter motor did not turn.

I measured 12.8v at thick red cable input of solenoid from battery. I measured 12.8v at small terminal on solenoid when I turned on the ignition key. However, on red terminal of starter motor, only 2.5 volts (seems like corrosion).

Ok, here's where it gets funky. A guy came out to look at it and said to short out the two small terminals on the solenoid and try to crank it (SELOC says these 2 terminals are from the Key switch and the other one is to the cut-out switch). It sparked and nothing else. NOW, the solenoid won't click and I don't get the 12.8v anymore from the key switch to the solenoid.

My question is...what did this guy break? The cutout switch or the ignition key switch?

If it is the cutout switch, where is that exactly? I can't seem to find it and Seloc doesn't help.

Thank you for any help, it is much appreciated.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

He probably blew the engine fuse.
The clicking in the solenoid indicates it 'works'.
However it might be burned on the contacts inside.
Take a solid jumper cable from battery directly onto the starter.
If starter then works, change solenoid.

 

[lncovert]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

He probably blew the engine fuse.
The clicking in the solenoid indicates it 'works'.
However it might be burned on the contacts inside.
Take a solid jumper cable from battery directly onto the starter.
If starter then works, change solenoid.

Thanks. Where is the engine fuse?

 

[Fed]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Shorting out the 2 small terminals on the solenoid will blow the fuse located under the motor cowl so you will have to replace it to get back to where you started.

Shorting out the 2 large terminals on the solenoid would cause the starter motor to spin.

 

[F_R]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Your original problem probably was corroded battery terminals. Remove the cables and clean them shiny bright. Most likely it will work then----AFTER you replace the fuse.

It is possible that you also destroyed the start-in-neutral-only switch. But check the obvious first (fuse).

 

[Bill3434]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

I had a similar problem earlier this year. My biggest problem was my power cables they were corroded on the inside the only way I figured that out was after I got my new ones I decided to disect the cables, every wire was oxidized through out the cable. Of course that was the last thing left to do. I replaced the solenoind (now I have a spare), replaced the brushes on the starter and sanded clean every contact in the starter and cleaned every terminal, bolt and nut from the battery to the starter. Only until I replaced my power cables did my engine start the way it's supposed to. These problems I had popped up after the winter, last season I had no problems at all.

 

[lncovert]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

You were right, it was a fuse in the engine that was blown. I replaced it and the starter solenoid is clicking now when I turn the key. However, the starter motor isn't coming on. I measured the voltage going into the solenoid at (12.5 v) and coming out (~0 V) (had my wife turn the key while I measured the voltage out of the starter).

You would think that if the solenoid is clicking, then the solenoid would be good. But since it isn't outputting any voltage, do you think the solenoid is bad?

Thanks,

Lance

 

[Fed]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

If you have 12V going into the solenoid when energized (on the big wire from the battery) and 0V going out of the solenoid (on the big wire that goes to the starter motor) when the solenoid is energized (clicked) then you have a faulty solenoid.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Replace the solenoid like Fed said. Just because it clicks does not mean it is good.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Welcome back to the forum! Still waiting after all these years to hear the rest of the story about the two missing spark plugs back in 2008.

 

[lncovert]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Welcome back to the forum! Still waiting after all these years to hear the rest of the story about the two missing spark plugs back in 2008.

Wow, willyclay, I can't believe you remembered that. That whole thing is still a mystery to me. It had one missing spark plug and we had taken the boat out several times with no problems at all. We even skied behind it and the engine sounded great. The only thing is maybe someone stole 1 spark plug in the couple of days between the day we went boating and when I took the cowling off.

As far as the solenoid/starting problem that I am currently having...I ordered a new solenoid and it just came in. I will try it out in the next couple of days.

 

[milliesdad]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Have the battery load tested and charged.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Wow, willyclay, I can't believe you remembered that.

When I saw your signature with the old Coronet boat, I thought it was you. The reason I remembered was our daughter went to UF and I think that you were in the Gainesville area back then. I'll bet lots of forum members also remember that story. Good luck with your current task!

 

[lncovert]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

That's right, Willyclay...I was in Gainesville back then. I graduated and am now in Atlanta.

Well, since it warmed up, I finally got around to replacing that starter solenoid, and it cranked like a champ. This Johnson motor has been great!

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 12v not getting to starter solenoid

Attaboy!