Starter Solenoid?

[69startcraft]

I have a 69 evenrude, 100 hp. Today I went to run it and it seemed like the battery was going dead. It started to turn over, then all I got was a "click" when I hit the key. The starter was engaged with the flywheel so I assume the starter works ok. Since the battery was old I bought a new one and got the same thing. Called the dealer and he said probably solenoid.

Any thing I should be checking for? Known issues?


Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter Solenoid?

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

Be sure the cables area connected to the correct battery post. crossing cables, usually blows the rectifier, and can blow more.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[F_R]

Re: Starter Solenoid?

90% of starter problems are diagnosed as a bad solenoid. 89% percent of the time, the diagnosis is incorrect. But there is no economic recession at the solenoid factory.

Spend your money on a cheap multimeter and learn how to use it, especially voltage drop tests. That will confirm or eliminate the solenoid as the culprit in about 15 seconds of testing time.