Re: Evenrude 100 starting problems
hello maseikos, silvertip and all:
good tips!!
silvertip you stated:
"The solenoid then switches the high current load to the starter."
while i am sure the thot here is clear, imo... it is not correctly stated. there is no high current
load present prior to engaging the solenoid. there is only high current [cold cranking amps] ~potential~. the solenoid only closes a path for the high amp potential to pass all its electrons from battery thru the main cables to the starter to energize the armature into rotating via the repelling magnet forces between fields and armature... where the high amp load exists. it is not high current load as it is only 12-volts. this is how i understand it.
several days ago, i redid my starter on my "gotta love 'er", had her for 15 years now, 83 chevy van. thru the years it has operated flawlessly, however of late... it would sometimes do nothing on the key. i did note some hestiation to its cranking when ignition key engaged at times. told me solenoid internal contacts for high amps may be corroded due to use. hey, 800 amps takes it toll eventurally.
when it went dead, a screwdriver across the bat HOT side of solenoid to S 14 guage wire [maybe 12 guage] made starter engage and it was ok for a while. but i decided enuff was enuff. so i dropped it and went thru it, pulling the armature out of the brush(s). the bendix bellcrank ball was almost gone due to wear so i pulled the bellcrank and reversed it. now the bellcrank ball is like new. i also blew out windings, 600d the commutator and greased the shaft bushings. i like antiseize so i tweaked in some here n there on metal to metal sliding and rotating parts. the bendix slides back n forth and there are several items that grease helps down in there. i also put a very light coating of grease on the inside of the solenoid plunger cylinder and dressed its sharp edge on the front side due to some wear in the solenoid cylinder.
remembering the iboats tips on electrical connections i cleaned to BRITE all solenoid internal and external contact items, repaired a weak wire from solenoid (ezily broke when taking solenoid apart] just reversed to the other side the upper solenoid high amp terminal... and recleaned to BRITE all electrical wire terminals that go to bat side of solenoid and S terminal. i also broke both bat terminal connections and cleaned and reconnected. dint just tighten but took loose, cleaned and then retightened. i had - grnd off before i started project. i cleaned starter bolts and even put grease and some anti seize on threads and alignment knearls. then i tested my labors. the starter hit and cranked like a diesel locomotive. perfect! and much faster and if a starter can be quiet... it was quieter, too. sweet and it had a NEW attitude, too. a lot of work i must admit. and the next day i learned at auto parts store a rebuilt complete with new solenoid was only $39.95,
but i had done my own. i doubt they would have done the custom grease tweak i did, and well... it was a fun project.
the wire repair was quiet a challenge. and i had to roll single wire to tiny coils off end of small round file tip to slide on broken end, then solder and do other end, too same way. i did not some internal starter items that had seen their full service life and brushes quite worn down. so i prob will just get the $39.95 starter if and when my starter opps 'out'. but i will take the new one apart and tweak it as to a custom lube.
so if this starting problem was mine, i would:
a) as stated, use the two jumper technique to see it u can bypass solenoid. and the cable/wire connection advice. also to ensure a really good direct ground tween bat and engine. additionally i would also:
b) try to engage starter no load. that is spark plugs out and grounded. i would listen to it both ways, too.
c) based on age, u may have broken, bad or weak [worn down] brushes. you may have other weak wires [partially cracked in two] in system. you may have corrosion on commutator. and/or carbon dust in and on the armature caused by brush wear. when i did my starter i blew it all out and the black dust flew everywhere. [dont breathe this stuff, protect eyes]
d) if everything checks out internally and externally, then suspect the solenoid. while i am exp'd in FOMOCO/GM automotive starters and solenoids, i am not sameO on marine stuff. so i do not know if solenoid can be taken apart as an automotive solenoid can. but their systems and designs are bascially the same. given that there are no component or electrical integrity problems any starter can be made to work.
e) and as a last result: if u are not willing to take apart ur starter i would be willing to take a look at it for you. no charge! if the solenoid can be disassembled i will go thru that, too. there is a starter shop just up the road from me and if i cant get it to work fine, then i can take it to them and see if armature is shorted, etc or? i know the owner. i have seen starters with one shorted circuit in field and or commutator. it would not turn over when a brush on that one bar. but hitting solenoid sev times got it to rotate a tweak and eventually it then turned. but, my bet is a good cleaning, service and assurance that you have solid voltage and amps to armature will make it crank nicely... first time; every time!!
i also use dielectric grease on all my electrical connections. its avail in tube or spray can. permatex makes a small tube. autozone carries it. $3.99. will do many connections as it goes on thin. also moisture proofs the ternminals, etc. and aids in electron transfer... an important element in any electrical system. i would also inspect the bat, solenoid and starter cable ends. tweak with electrical pliers and ensure the metal to braided wire to connector is tight. most can usually be tightened a bit more this way. id carefully clean all terminal ends... wire braids. and air blow clean. then tighten.
also consider the library. they should have books on starters and solenoids to study. i have read some and they explain it all well.
well, that is what i would do. and plan to do to my Lakester Special in the new year. the tips here on iboats are very good! and so helpful, too. hope my inputs here can be of value, as well.
regards in any event,
lakester
