Starter Solenoid Troubleshooting

[efisher999]

I have a '98 200 hp Johnson Oceanrunner. When the ignition switch is turned you can hear the starter spin, but doesn't engage. The tachometer also will show a spike up to 6000 rpms even though the motor didn't start. My first thought is a bad solenoid, but with the tach moving I didn't know if there could be other problems. What is the best way to check solenoid and why is the tach moving?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Starter Solenoid Troubleshooting

If the starter spins when you turn the key the solenoid is working OK.<br /><br />Try a light spray oil on the starter gear assy. It needs to be able to slide as it twists upwards easily and sometimes can become sticky.<br /><br />I've see the use of deep cycle battery for starting not have enought initial voltage to bring the starter gear to engagement well. Use a fully charged marine starting battery.<br /><br />The tach may just be responding to the electrical interferance developed while the starter motor is turning without load.

 

[lakensea]

Re: Starter Solenoid Troubleshooting

If the starter spins, your solenoid if OK. It sounds like a bad battery cable connection, probably on the ground side.

 

[christhefish]

Re: Starter Solenoid Troubleshooting

has to be one of these problems<br /><br />1 Low battery<br />2 Poor contact at battery terminal<br />3 poor contact at starter solenoid or starter <br />motor<br />4 Dirty or corroded pinion drive

 

[skydad]

Re: Starter Solenoid Troubleshooting

I had the same problem with a Johnson 150. It was a bad ground wire connection at the battery. The starter would spin, but not fast enough to make the gears engage. Good Luck. I hope this is your problem because it is cheap & easy to fix.