1978 55 Evenrude starter question

[b sullivan]

i have a 1978 55 Evenrude, i noticed lately that the starting motor is turning over slowly,
and gradually picking up speed then the motor will start.the battery is fully charged,
i took the starter apart it looks fine , brushes look perfect.
could this be a soloniod problem or a wiring problem inside the starter ???
thank you for any replies.
Dave

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1978 55 Evenrude starter question

When you say "fully charged", did you measure the voltage and get at least 12.65 volts? A battery charger will signal "Full" when the battery stops accepting a charge, doesn't mean it's good. Even a battery showing good voltage, doesn't mean it's good, a "load test" (free at most car parts stores) is the ultimate test.

Before proceeding, I'd try it with another (known-good) battery, or have the cranking battery load tested.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1978 55 Evenrude starter question

As suggested above check the battery volts. But check after it has stood idle with no load and no charging for around 12 hours or so.

Fully charged I would be looking for 12.7 preferably 12.8.
12.2 would be only about half charged and below 11.8 effectively discharged.

It could still give good voltage readings and have a high internal resistance. Get it professionally "load tested" as suggested.

Check all the connections on the wiring not forgetting the negative ground connection.

 

[b sullivan]

Re: 1978 55 Evenrude starter question

thanks for the replies, it did show full charge on charger, but i put it in my truck to see if it would start it , no problem there, it started fast. so i assumed it should start that motor fast. correct ??
Dave

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1978 55 Evenrude starter question

Good chance your terminations aren't clean and tight and/or the heavy wires need to be replaced.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1978 55 Evenrude starter question

yup, starting the truck is probably a good test of the battery.

Disconnect, clean and reconnect all the connections from battery to solenoid to starter. Don't just eyeball 'em, take 'em apart & make 'em shiny. And battery to engine block ground. (hint: sandpaper). If you have wingnuts, use pliers on 'em.

Measure the voltage from the battery negative to the solenoid large terminal (starter side) with the starter cable disconnected and keyswitch "on". If you get 12V or more, the solenoid's good.