Outboard problems

[SpottyDog5]

I have an Mariner 25 2 stroke, starts fine on the pull cord, just clicks on the electric start.
Fully charged battery,
new(ish) solenoid,
starter motor turns freely by hand.
Before I take it a part, all ideas welcome.

 

[realslimshady]

Is the 'click' the solenoid or the starter? can you put a voltmeter to the solenoid? The contacts get dirty over time and although the solenoid activates, it doesn't make the connection internally. Had exactly that with my old evinrude 90-pulled the solenoid apart (it is possible!) cleaned the contacts which were black instead of copper, and it was fine. If it's the starter clicking, then it's the starter that's the problem.

 

[SpottyDog5]

Not sure, need someone to turn the key, while I listen. I changed the inners of the solenoid not too long ago, so its probably the starter motor, it was ceased solid when I got it, got it moving with loads of WD40 and electric drill,seemed ok when I tested it straight across a battery though !

 

[VicS]

Start by checking all electrical connections between battery and starter. Negative connections as well. According to the experts a very large %age of starting problems are due to poor connections.

Beyond that it could be the solenoid contacts burnt or dirty as suggested.

If the two main terminals are accessible simply short across them with a screwdriver or something**. If that cranks the engine then it proves that the starter motor is OK and points the finger of suspicion at the solenoid. If the motor still does not operate and crank the engine then provided all the connections really are good suspect the starter motor. Clean the brushes and commutator and try again. (But you seem to have already proved that the starter motor is OK by testing it on a battery)

** dont short then to the casing etc though!

 

[Cliveshep]

Clicking is almost certainly the solenoid, test by shorting with a heavy screwdriver or spanner across the two large solenoid terminals, if your starter operates change the solenoid.

The above assumes that connections from battery to starter (via solenoid connections) are clean and good and also that the battery connections are good as bad connections anywhere will allow the solenoid to energise but insufficient power gets through to operate the starter. If you hold the key on for a few seconds and then run back and put your hand on all terminal connections the hot one will be the bad one.

 

[Moonshiners]

[ QUOTE ]
Not sure, need someone to turn the key, while I listen. I changed the inners of the solenoid not too long ago, so its probably the starter motor, it was ceased solid when I got it, got it moving with loads of WD40 and electric drill,seemed ok when I tested it straight across a battery though !

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like the solenoid has given up, after you've "freed it up" remember there was no resistance when you bench tested it....

 

[SpottyDog5]

Its Fixed !!!!!!!!!
Was the starter motor, took it to bits, cleaned it out, one of the brush wires was only just attached, remade, spins like a demon.
Just fitted it works a treat, thanks to all for the posts.
Cheers