Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

[Marco79]

Hey fellas,


I've decided I need to stay here a good long while as I seem to be complete greenhorn when it comes to fixing boats (I was pretty good until I bought one for myself ha)

So --Trying to fire this 50hp 1972 Evinrude up, 1 out of 5 tries and she turns hard and fast, fires right up, the other attempts it feels as though there is no juice, the battery is dying, and then I'll walk away for a few minutes and come back, and it turns over like a beast, I try again and it barely turns. The battery is 550 CCA and I just had it tested today, it's fine, in fact its cranking higher than it's spec'd to do. So the batt is not the prob.

I've checked connections and everything looks tight.

What do you guys recommend I check out next? Is it possible the starter is going and maybe its trying to draw more power than it should?

The boat sat for about 3-4 yrs in storage before I bought it..

thanks in advance!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

Probably 95% of all starter problems is electrical. Is the battery fully charged? Check all your connections. They must be very clean and tight. Check the lugs very closely for any signs of corrosion. They can corrode inside where you can't see it and cause the problem you are having. If you know how to do a voltage drop test you could check them that way. Another way would be to temporally substitute the cables with jumper cables. If all the cables have been confirmed good, try jumping the starter solenoid. Just because it clicks does NOT mean its good. If you are sure the solenoid is good have your battery load tested, regardless of age. This brings you to the starter itself. Remove it and have it tested by your local auto electric shop. They can rebuild it for you if needed and save you some money. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Marco79]

Re: Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

Ok,

So I determined that there is no electrical problem, I thought it was a gas problem so I opened up the carb and drained them both. The top carb drained out what looked to be newer gas. The bottom card drained about 1 or 2 drops of some muddy looking water/gas. It looked bad.

What does this mean for me? Do you think I need to get into the carb further to see if the float is sticking? Obviously no gas is getting in that bottom carb - I reckon the jets are plugged?

Where should I go from here?

Thanks in advance bhile and others.

 

[F_R]

Re: Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

How in the world is that related to the starter turning the engine? Not saying that carburetor isn't a mess, just that it sounds like a separate problem.

 

[Marco79]

Re: Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

How in the world is that related to the starter turning the engine? Not saying that carburetor isn't a mess, just that it sounds like a separate problem.

Well, F_R, I will explain how that particular issue came about also. When I first created this thread (first post) I was under the impression the problem with the motor was related to the starter/ignition/electrical system. So I titled the name of the thread that way. Following that event, BHILE gave me some helpful advice, I used that advice to do some troubleshooting, and realized that perhaps it was the carb that was the issue. BHILE mentioned to let him know how it turned out, and thus my post describing the carb. And then unfortunately, I failed to change the name of this thread to more accurately depict the content within. To be honest, it never even crossed my mind to change the name of the thread.

I do apologize for the misunderstanding.

Since that time, I have been busy cleaning the carb as it is filthy. I hope to update this thread as I progress, and I will be careful to make sure the name of the thread is relevant.

Thanks to everyone so far for your help, via pm and here on the boards.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Ignition/Starter - Startup Question?

Bump^ This the one you couldn't find?