Electrical Problem

steve007

Recruit
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
Messages
3
Hello all. I have a 1985 Johnson 70 hp. Tried to start the other day and when i turned the key the bendix on the starter would jump up to mesh with the flywheel teeth as it is supposed to, but would not turn the flywheel, it would just click a few times then nothing. I have replaced the starter and the solenoid, which now i feel they wernt bad because this is what it was doing before i replaced. I am skunked. Help please
 

Joetomass

Cadet
Joined
Jul 16, 2012
Messages
26
Re: Electrical Problem

1st check battery will volt meter when cranking make shore u have good power if it is you have a ground problem check engine and battery grounds. Make shore clean and tight
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Electrical Problem

50% of such problems are a bad battery. Have it load tested. Many places such as Auto Zone will do it for free.

40% are bad cable connectons at the battery. Take them off and clean shiny bright then put back tightly. Just looking at them and wiggling them doesn't count.

The other 10% has to be divided up between solenoid, battery, corroded wires, stuck engine, etc.

Percentages not verified.
 

steve007

Recruit
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
Messages
3
Re: Electrical Problem

Hello all. I have a 1985 Johnson 70 hp. Tried to start the other day and when i turned the key the bendix on the starter would jump up to mesh with the flywheel teeth as it is supposed to, but would not turn the flywheel, it would just click a few times then nothing. I have replaced the starter and the solenoid, which now i feel they wernt bad because this is what it was doing before i replaced. I am skunked. Help please

Yes the battery is fine and the engine runs great. No problems with flywheel not turnning. I will check all the connections, grounds, etc. tomorrow. Thanks for all your help. If all your suggestions dont work ill be back on here tomorrow. No disrespect to anyone, but hope I dont need to get on here tomorrow and ill be on the water. Again thank you to all
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Electrical Problem

Not to disagree with F_R, but the bad connections of battery cables also happen often where the ground (-) cable bolts to the engine block.
 
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