1978 Evinrude, 35 HP starter will not spin the fly wheel

[Webekin]

So my grandson and I are working on a 35hp Evinrude made in 1978. It will not spin up, I removed and cleaned and polished the starter components, to encourage it to work properly. Still not spinning up. Removed a starter from my 1982 Johnson 35HP and same issue will not spin, engages but fails to spin.
Soooo, we determined that we had back pressure??? Removed the prop to access the exhaust port, found more dirt/debris than we can remove with out dropping the lower unit, to prevent pushing it back into the drive shaft/exhaust area.
Is this a reasonable solution to the problem of not turning over faster? If I remove the plugs, it will spin over very fast. replace one plug, back to no spinning.
Thanks in advance,
Webekin

 

[racerone]

Starter should at least turn the flywheel 1 or 2 turns.-----If starters are indeed good then remove powerhead to clean out exhaust housing.

 

[racerone]

Will the starters spin the 82 model ?

 

[boobie]

Have the battery load tested and check all cables.

 

[racerone]

This issue is not hard to figure out !

 

[Webekin]

Yes, it will spin the '82 with both plugs in. We will be cleaning the exhaust today. Webekin

 

[F_R]

I find it hard to believe that exhaust could be plugged enough to prevent cranking. I think there are other issues involved here. Be sure to let us know what you find.

 

[racerone]

But the poster is pretty sure the plugged exhaust is the issue.-----I wait for the outcome on this one.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Sounds like more of a seized bearing or something. We shall see I guess.

 

[racerone]

He states ( post #1 ) that with plugs out it spins very fast.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

He states ( post #1 ) that with plugs out it spins very fast.

Yeah, I forgot that.

Never seen the assumed diagnoses but maybe.

 

[rolmops]

It never hurts to clean stuff up, This could be a case of plugs that screw in way too deep or simply a battery that is too weak to deal with the compression that this engine produces. A good fact that was mentioned is that without the plugs , it turns over just fine. That to me is a sign that a plugged lower end is not the problem.

 

[oldboat1]

Battery needs to be charge and load tested (auto parts store). All wire ends in starting circuit need to be bright and shiny (sandpaper). If still no success, remove starter and clean it, perhaps replacing brushes (carb spray works for cleaning, but be absolutely sure the starter is completely dry before trying to start).

Alternatively, jump the boat battery from your car or truck (pos to post on side of boat starter, neg to starter bracket). If boat cranks, suspect a battery problem (have it tested and perhaps replace).