Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

[Smokn]

I have a 71 chrysler 70hp outboard motor and I have had it running 3 times this month at home ... took it out yesterday and it started, put it in reverse and went 30 feet or so then put it in drive and it stalled ... went to restart it and the starter sounded deprived of juice and was unable to start. Today I went out and bought new battery (450? Cracking amps marine grade) thinking somethings wrong with the old one and tried to start it and the samething happened ... starter bearly moves ...

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

First check the connections on your battery cables. Undo both positive and negative cables anywhere they connect in or on the motor. It's not uncommon to find corrosion preventing a good contact under the cable that is not visible when you look at them.

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

I just replaced the cables 4 days ago and cleaned all the posts ... my o'reily's man said its probably the starter drawing too many amps ... what do you think?

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Does the motor turn over freely? Remove the plugs and try to turn the motor over by hand to see if it moves freely. My be an engine problem not a starter problem.

If the engine is OK try using a heavy set of jumper leads from the battery to get power directly to the starter. Ignition off, motor in neutral and watch out for moving parts. Positive to the terminal on the starter and then touch the negative cable to the outside case of the starter. Only do this in short bursts as there is no fuse in this system. If it cranks well your starter is OK and there is a problem with the wiring. If not the problem is in the starter.

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Thanks TwoFish ... I will get some heavy duty cables and try that .... if it is the starter ... is it hard to rebuild? Oh yah I can turn the motor over by hand with ease with the plugs in ... I mean I do feel the compression but its not a problem turning it over the starter is not rising to the occasion so to speak!!!

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

They are relatively easy to pull apart. You need to remove the starter from the engine, remove the nut on top that holds the Drive Pinion on and then the long bolts that go right through the starter. The starter will then come apart. Keeping the brushes in place when putting it back together can be a bit tricky. You may just have worn brushes or dry bearings. Checking for this and cleaning out the starter wont hurt. Checking the windings in the starter require specialized equipment. I would use some thread locking compound on the top nut to prevent it from working loose.

Good Luck

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

After trying the jumper cables with no success... I took off the starter and was looking at it and bam the starter starting to come apart... shavings every where and the copper windings look dark (don't know if thats normal) but didn't know if I should take it all apart or just take it to a shop ... Ye Haw!

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Took the starter to the shop and they told me to buy a new one to save money ... So I did except they ordered the wrong one twice... Still waiting on the right one!

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Well different starter but same problem ... the bottom bracket won't go up all the way and the tech guy said I don't need it with the starters now days they are strong enough to be supported by the bolts that go through the top bracket (IDK) and I will have to drill out the holes cuz the threads don't match and I noticed the bolts are just a little wider ... I will let you know what happens (Wish Me Luck!)

 

[Smokn]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Got the holes drilled and starter mounted ... tried starting it and guess what ... It cranked like a champ but the true test will be when I get "Who's Your Daddy" out on the water!

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Starting Problem ...71 chrysler outboard 70hp

Thats good to hear. By the sounds of it you have it sorted out now.