starter problem

[cbuckla]

So i thought my starter was bad, so i cleaned all the connections and charged the batteries. It would turn over but turned over slow. I changed the cables and that didn't do any good. I changed the starter and it does the same thing. I took the plugs out and tried it and it spins the motor fast now. I also replaced the started solenoid and that didnt do any good either. Any ideas whats wrong?

 

[cbuckla]

Re: starter problem

The motor is a 1987 35 hp mercury two stoke outboard.

 

[oldman570]

Re: starter problem

You need to have a load test done on the battery. You can take the battery to a local auto store as Auto zone and have the load test done. If it cannot pass the load test, you should replace it with a good marine starting battery with enough cranking amps to do the job. If it passes the load test , then I would go back to the starter if the one you used as a replacement was a used starter. You can buy a battery load tester at Harbor Frieght or a auto store for usally less than $30.00 and test everything yourself. Just start at the battery and work from there to the starter. When the tester dose not pass the test you have just gone past the part that is causing the trouble. JMO
Oldman570

 

[CharlieB]

Re: starter problem

Removing the spark plugs reduces the load on the starter, cables and battery, allowing the motor to spin much better.

Most slow cranking problems are caused by poor connections. You have replaced some cables, but have your CLEANED ALL connections?

Both battery cables and the starter cable, not just the cable ends but the post/terminal that they connect to.

Do this, and follow oldman's advise, take your battery in for a load test.

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

Check for voltage drop over the solenoid. Bad internal connection can cause your symptoms. Should not exceed 1.5V.

 

[cbuckla]

Re: starter problem

I replaced the solenoid already, but I will check the new one and make sure that the voltage drop is not more the 1.5v. I cleaned the battery terminals on all three of my batteries and both ends of the cables, both at the battery end as well as the solenoid and motor ground end. I also cleaned the lead wire to the starter from the solenoid at both ends when I changed the starter. As I used three different charged batteries with clean terminals my thinking was that I could rule out the battery. New selenoid so I ruled that out. I also used tried a different set of cables to rule out any corrosion inside the cables. With having tried two starters I wanted to rule that out. The starter I took off is only a year old. The one I swaped was the original starter on the motor that I replaced. I kept the original starter because the first time I replaced it I found out that my battery was just bad. So I don't want to buy a third starter and that not be the problem.

I wonder if the negative wire from my battery needs to be grounded better. Currently it is grounded on the mounting bracket of the solenoid. I've also tried it grounded at the same spot as the ground straps near the back the the motor and that did not make any difference.

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

I wonder if the negative wire from my battery needs to be grounded better. Currently it is grounded on the mounting bracket of the selenoid. I've also tried it grounded at the same spot as the ground straps near the back the the motor and that did not make any difference.

The grounding of the battery ground cable is critical to get full current through the starter. It is troublesome because it is a tinned copper spade bolted to an alloy block with a steel bolt or stud. Four dissimilar metals make a corrosion factory. Move it to a stud or bolt that is direct into the engine block, making sure all connecting surfaces and parts are surgically clean.

PS I know that the device is commonly spelled selenoid. That is incorrect. The correct spelling is solenoid.

 

[cbuckla]

Re: starter problem

Thanks for your help JB. I'm going to move that battery ground to a spot on the engine block today after work and see if that helps.

 

[cbuckla]

Re: starter problem

Well i moved the ground to the starter and it works now. Didnt think that would make a difference but it works now. Thanks everybody for the help.

 

[Bones510]

Re: starter problem

I have a 91 Mariner that has been set-up for several years. Long story short i am to the point of getting it to crank. New batteries and starter solenoid and still nothing when i turn the key except the initial beep. Starter not clicking. I put jumper cables to make sure new battery not low. Can cross solenoid and starter will engage. ??? Maybe ignition switch???

 

[Bones510]

Re: starter problem

Got that problem fixed. Neutral switch is bad...by passed it. Now to get it cranked.

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

Bones, please do not hijack someone else's thread. Your question has nothing to do with the OP's thread. In the future, please start your own thread.

Thanks for your cooperation.