Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

[cdrlew]

Hand cranks fine. While running starter will spin while pressing start switch. Starter will not spin to crank. No starter movement at all. Battery fully charged. When connecting battery directly to starter, starter works great. Obvious connections clean. Problem comes and goes, may crank 20 times, then nothing. Have idea trouble may be in tiller handle.

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

cdrlew,<br /><br />Your "bendix" is stuck.<br /><br />Spray some WD-40 on the shaft which the starter pinion gear rides. Remember, the starter pinion gear rotates opposite engine rotation.<br /><br />You can manually work the gear up the shaft as you continually lube it.

 

[poppopfishes2002]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

not sure but could be bad brushes and turning key over while engine is runing ( NOT GOOD )

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Howdy CDRlew.<br /><br />You haven't said if the solenoid clicks when you attempt to start with the starter motor. <br /><br />Jump from the battery + post to the hot post on the starter motor with a battery jumper cable. If the starter operates, you have a problem getting high current to and from the starter motor. <br /><br />If the starter doesn't operate, disconnect the - cable from the battery and the engine block, check it for corrosion, clean both ends and reinstall. <br /><br />Try the jump again. If the starter still doesn't operate, overhaul it with new brushes and clean and undercut the commutator.<br /><br />If the starter operates, jump + to the small terminal on the solenoid. If the solenoid clicks and operates the starter motor, measure voltage at the solenoid small terminal when the key is turned. If there is not +12v, check out your key switch circuit.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cdrlew]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Really appreciate your help!<br />I sprayed the bendix gear with WD40. It had always turned easily, but now it really turns good. Still starter will not spin. Taking the starter off and hooking directly, starter really works great. ...So, it not getting 12v as JB suggests. If they had painted the solenoid orange I could find it and I could probably find the small terminal on it. But, everything is black. What does the solenoid look like and where is it located. There is no click when pressing the start button, I guess indicating the solenoid isn't working. Hang with me, new at this!

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Howdy. <br /><br />Trace the big wire from the starter motor or the + from the battery. They meet at the solenoid.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cdrlew]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Thanks for hanging in there JB,<br />The big wire from the starter and the red wire from the battery meet under the flywheel. Pulling the flywheel exposes a plate with two tan coils towards the rear, a black cube with a contact face simular to the coils on the left (appears that it may have been overheatd a little) and a white odd shaped insulater looking gismo to the right. Do I remove the plate to expose the solenoide? No obvious screws to losen on the plate . . . looks formidable, but please tell me what to do now. I must be trying your patience, but I'm having fun. Maybe not be as much fun putting it back together. I need a book "Evinrude repair for dummies". Thanks so much! Lew

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Howdy, CDRlew.<br /><br />Hmmm. Not the wires I had in mind. I think you will need a manual. <br /><br />The wires I mean are as big as, or bigger than jumper cable wires. I wouldn't expect them to fit under your flywheel. Unfortunately, I don't have a manual on the '98 2 strokes so there could easily be some feature to your starter wiring that I wouldn't expect.<br /><br />Perhaps another member will be able to give you more exact guidance.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cdrlew]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Thanks JB, Your right, I need a manual. I understand some manuals give a broad brush view of many engines, and what I need is a manual specifically for this and simular motors. You obviously have lots of experience, any suggestions on what repair manual I should get? Really appreciate your help.<br />Lew

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude '98 15 hp starter won't spin

Howdy, CDRlew.<br /><br />Try to get a factory OMC (Johnson or Evinrude) Service Manual.<br /><br />Try the bottom of this page.<br /><br />Good luck.