How do i test a starter

[pckeen]

Hi,

I am going to part out a '64 evinrude fastwin 18hp, becuase no-one wants to buy it (shipping costs are a killer), and I have a reasonable offer on the starter, but I don't want to sell a broken part. The engine I have was running, but I don't have the wires to hook up to the engine.

Any advice on how to test this using the materials I have on hand? (Deep cycle battery and jumper cables is about it).

Thanks.

 

[MBHeyworth]

Re: How do i test a starter

Jumper cables to battery, negative to something metal on the engine that doesn't move, and positive to that lug sticking out of the starter. If it spins, you win.

 

[pckeen]

Re: How do i test a starter

Thanks!

What is the lug? Do you mean the thing that looks like a nut at the top?

 

[Valley Boater]

Re: How do i test a starter

I made a similar test to a 9.9 Evinrude I'm parting out. The lug may be nearly impossible to get to with the starter installed if it is like the one on my '77 9.9. If so, remove the starter, probably 2 bolts to hold the starter and a red wire wired to the post on the bottom of the starter. Carefully remove the small nut holding the red (hot) wire to the starter, you don't want to turn the post or you'll ruin the starter. Once the wire is removed from starter and with starter off the motor (in a vise or secured on workbench), ground the negative jumper to starter frame and touch the positive jumper to the small terminal on the bottom of the starter. You'll get a spark when you complete the circuit but the starter should spin while in contact when you complete the circuit. No spin/no good.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do i test a starter

The lug is the large electrical connection on the starter. It has a cable that runs from it to the starter solenoid. If you are parting out the engine anyway, remove the starter and use the jumper cables. Negative to the starter case. Positive to the "lug".

 

[JRegier]

Re: How do i test a starter

It's unfortunate you're parting that motor out, it looks like it's in beautiful shape.
If I was a little further north I'd consider making an offer (I'm in Southwestern Ontario)

 

[pckeen]

Re: How do i test a starter

Hmmmmm

OK - so I located the red wire coming into the started, and hooked up the positive terminal to it - then tried various points on the motor - which was largely paint covered, to see if it would run - it didn't.

In the top photograph, I hooked the positive terminal up to the gold colored lug you see just above the lip of the lower cover for the motor. I hooked up the negative terminal to the silver colored bolt head you see to the bottom right of the starter.

Did I do anything wrong, or do I just have a dead starter?

 

[likitvi]

Re: How do i test a starter

the post on the bottom of the starter is positive, engine block negative, or ground.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: How do i test a starter

Spark plug may be a good place to hook your negative battery cable. Other surfaces are painted. It's a shame you are parting out such a nice looking motor.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: How do i test a starter

I had a 25 shipped from Montreal to Toronto for about $60 a couple years ago. The guy just cut a piece of 1/4 ply for a base, laid the motor propshaft pointing down on it, then shrinkwrapped it. Then he made a nifty carrying handle out of rope and a piece of hose.
These motors are sadly worth more in pieces.
btw, those starters and brackets with all the wiring fetch $150+ on ebay

 

[pckeen]

Re: How do i test a starter

Alas, I know - I would have preferred not to part out this motor - but after a couple of months of trying to sell this, and not even getting $150 on it - I finally was offered a decent price....for just the starter.

 

[Watermann]

Re: How do i test a starter

Peter call around to the auto parts houses, some of them bench test starters for free. At least they do here.

 

[pckeen]

Re: How do i test a starter

Thanks all - took it to a mechanic who tested it - it worked fine...doing exactly what I had been doing. My guess is I wasn't getting a good connection on the largely painted starter holder.

 

[boobie]

Re: How do i test a starter

Sometimes it pays to get another opinion from a professional.