How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

[samm835]

I had a local starter/alternator mechanic check out my starter and its good. So I went and got a new solenoid from the local marine shop. The one they gave me for my motor is smaller than the original. They assured me it was the correct one. I don't think it is because it looks off(i might be wrong).I am going to take the old and new one into them tomorrow so they can verify again, but is there a way for me to check? I know everyone says "do you hear a click", any other ways? I am having a starting issue with my 115HP (92) It seems when I turn the key to start the beep sounds(as always and goes off), then when I turn the key further to actually start it doesn't do JACK. Nothing even sounds like I have done anything. Does anyone think it could be my ignition? Now when I say ignition? Any help would be great. The boat is on the water and I am running out of things to think of to get this POS started again. THanks

 

[cell]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Maybe the ignition switch is bad...

 

[cell]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Maybe the ignition switch is bad...But you can always bypass everything if you jump it at the solenoid from the batt.

 

[samm835]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Ok, let me make sure I understand correctly. You say "ignition switch"....are you meaning the switch where I insert the key? I know I may sound like an idiot, but I want to make sure there isn't something else. Can I just go into the local marine and buy a new ignition(key) and plug it up?

 

[mark_gober]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Samm,

As someone else just mentioned, you should be able to put 12 volts directly on your solenoid and get it to click. Another check would be to go to your solenoid with a meter and have someone else turn the key. You should get 12 volts to it. How much smaller is the new solenoid than the old one? The reason that I ask is because size will dictate current handling capacity. Having said that, it would need to be considerably smaller to make it an issue of concern. I do agree with you that I'd just as soon rather have the original part number/size solenoid, but just because its a little bit smaller doesn't mean that it won't work. Unless your engine takes an excessive amount of time to start, the high current is only running through your solenoid for probably about 2-3 seconds when you start it.

I just did a search for 115hp mercs and I got the wiring diagram. I'm not sure if this is exactly the on that you have, but its been my experience that they don't change much year to year. Looking at this diagram, the only other thing that might be wrong would be the 20amp fuse. I don't think that would have gone out simply by your starter hanging in the flywheel, but it'd be easy enough to check. Let me know.

Mark

check the link out....

http://www.maxrules.com/oldmercs/Wiring/1966ona/37.pdf

 

[cell]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Ya where you put the key in.

 

[JB]

Re: How to Determine a Solenoid bad?

Go to the Engine FAQs Forum, Samm. In "Outboard won't start" there is a simple test of the solenoid.