61 Evinrude 40 HP starter problems

[brokengine]

It's been cranking fine(ran it last week)until tonight. When I turn the key I here a clicking in the external electric box but it doesn't even try to turn over. The battery is relatively new but I did just have to replace the generator due to a broken armature last month. Is it just the battery or do I have problems? Also I was able to crank it with the rope. Thanks.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 61 Evinrude 40 HP starter problems

Did you polarize the generator once it was installed? If you don't, it won't charge. You need to momentarily jump from the battery side of the solenoid to the 61 terminal on the regulator. Charge the battery, polarize the generator, and hopefully you're ready to go. Any time you break any of the connections in the charging system (such as replacing a battery or generator), you have to polarize the system. I got a button switch from Radio Shack and wired it in. (It's actually on a Harley Sprint I have, but the principal is identical.) Makes life so much simpler to just tap the button rather than have to look-up which terminal all the time.

 

[brokengine]

Re: 61 Evinrude 40 HP starter problems

Thank you so much. I'm sure that's what it is-I've got a couple of dumb questions: When polarizing the generator, does it matter what kind of jumper wire I use to connect the terminals and do I just connect them for a "moment"? Also does the battery need to be charged first and can I simply do that with my truck and jumper cables? Thanks again.

 

[DJ]

Re: 61 Evinrude 40 HP starter problems

Charge the battery first, then hook it up.<br /><br />Use any wire that is of 12 guage or better.