Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

[ERTrent]

Calling all experts, again (and again)
I recently bought a 1962 Larson runabout and trailer that came with an Evinrude Starflite 75 (manual shifter/transmission). It is an old but quite useable package. The motor shows evidence of having had its lower end recently rebuilt, and also what also appears to be a shiny new solenoid (as identified by a forum member via a photo sent on June 10). However, a similarly identified rectifier proves to be entirely disconnected (wiring is clipped and taped)

The motor will not start via the electric starter. The motor did fire and run quite happily on the second pull of the starter cord, but when I turn the key, I hear only a click, which tells me (I think) that the solenoid is working.

Thanks to the advice of an iboats member, I established that the starter motor works (I jumped current directly from a new, fully charged battery. The starter spins and engages)

Now hat to do?


I attach several images of the new solenoid; disabled rectifier; magneto; starter etc .

I look forward to your wisdom and insights,
Thank you,
ERTrent

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

What year (Model number) is it? It looks to have a belt-drive DC generator on it.
You are going to have to troubleshoot the start circuit with a voltmeter.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

You should try not to make multiple posts on the same subject, I posted in you first post.

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

Are you talking about a voltage regulator ?? That mtr didn't have a rectifier. Have you checked the battery cables for being clean and tight on the battery,solenoid and the mtr.

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

ER, you may want to stick to one post as it gets confusing for replies.

 

[yorab]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

I have basically the same motor, though not with the magneto ignition and I must admit that I don't know much about magnetos. I do believe that they have a kill switch of some sort but I assume that only kills the ignition current and not the current to the starter motor.

If that assumption is correct, then your starter motor should turn when you turn the key. If you are hearing the solenoid click, then it is probably working properly. Disconnect the high-current cables from the solenoid being careful not to ground the hot lead. In fact, it's probably best to disconnect the cables from the battery during this step. Reconnect the battery cables. Then, have an assistant turn the key. Check for continuity across the solenoid terminals while the assistant holds the key to the start position. If you have continuity, the solenoid is working.

The most likely culprit would then be poor connections or internally-degraded cables. The starter itself may not be grounded well, and may start intermittently.

 

[F_R]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

It's 4:00 AM and here I am trying to make sense out of this thread. No, I haven't hunted for another one, and probably won't. But curiosity got the best of me and I'm still here.

I see no solenoid or rectifier in those pictures. The solenoid is supposed to be in a junction box, and also a voltage regulator. That motor has no rectifier.

Nevertheless, the fact that the solenoid clicks says that the primary circuit to it is ok. It does not say that the high current contacts within it are ok. Do this: Connect a jumper cable directly between the battery (-) post and a secure ground somewhere on the engine block. Now connect/touch another jumper cable to each of the big posts on the solenoid. Does the starter crank? If it does, but not when you hear the click, the solenoid is bad. OR the engine is not grounded. Remove the (-) jumper and re-jump the solenoid as before. Does the starter crank? If it does, the engine is grounded ok and the solenoid is verified bad.

 

[ERTrent]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

Thank you, everybody. I will follow your suggestions and report back. I will reply to the thread rather than create a new one each time (somehow, I had the idea that method was preferred)
ERTrent

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Evinrude Starflite nonstarter

Thank you, everybody. I will follow your suggestions and report back. I will reply to the thread rather than create a new one each time (somehow, I had the idea that method was preferred)
ERTrent

Nah, if it's about this motor and this particular problem, then keep it in one thread. If your lower unit goes out, start another one.

Now it sounds like you have already directly jumpered the starter motor and it works, so the problem is with the battery cables (+) and/or (-), the battery itself, the solenoid, or the cable between the solenoid and the starter.

If you were able to pull start a cold 75 that was sleeping for awhile, then that's a good sign everything else is working well.