1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

[thefox1051]

We were running wide open for a little while then let it idle 5 mintues in the water while i was getting truck.
This motor was running well i went to put it on the trailer it stalled and the was hard to crank.
The motor will turn over good with out plugs in it.
The motor is in neutral.
The motor cranks hard with plugs in.
The motor is at top dead center at 4 degrees.
The battery is good I have two plus I have a load tester.
1978 evinrude 55 hp # 55875s
Tried penatrating oil in the jugs didnt help.
Any thoughts?

 

[JB]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

Battery cables.

Disconnect and carefully clean connections at both ends of both cables.

Let us know what you get, and good luck.

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

I have cleaned all conections very well hot side and cold side no improvement.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

If you have access to an amp meter then check the amperage draw at the starter,

if not then use a multimeter and check the voltage at your batt first, then check voltage drop between the terminals on the solenoid

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

Here is what i got.
Battery 14.3 volts sitting there.
Battery 12.8 volts cranking.
Solenoid out put to starter cranking 11.3 volts.

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

I'm still cant figure this out and the fish in the lake are getting deprived.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

I had a similar problem and it turned out that my starter needed a re-build. Mine would not crank under load. Has the starter ever been re-built?

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

The starter was replaced ten years ago . I took it to Advanced automotive to have it tested and they claimed it was good. But at the same time i watched them test it and dont belive in there testing skills they hook 12 volts to it. It spun and they said it works

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

I just ordered a starter I will let you know what happens.
But in the mean time if anyone else has input it is welcome very much.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

sorry about not getting back to you sooner, a 1.5 volt draw is a bit much, I could honestly see .5volt taking into account loss for length of cable, etc.

While you are waiting for your new starter to arrive it wouldn't hurt to take your old one apart and see how it looks, check the armature, does it look like it's been getting cooked?. Are the brushes wearing evenly and is there enough of them left?. Are the bushings in tact and wearing evenly?

Here's something to think about, just a worn bushing alone can cause a starter to test good off the motor, but once it engages the flywheel, the bad bushing let's the shaft of the armature cant off to one side, thereby created drag and increasing draw on the battery.

 

[thefox1051]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

Ive got the starter in the mail today hooked it up and it cranks the motor like never before. Wish i'd done this a month ago. Weird how a starter can be half bad.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1978 55hp evinrude hard cranking good battery

Ive got the starter in the mail today hooked it up and it cranks the motor like never before. Wish i'd done this a month ago. Weird how a starter can be half bad.

Well when I replaced my starter.....it was a similar situation..... On the bench or w/o plugs it would spin up fine but would not handle any load.

Glad you got it worked out