115 4-Stroke Won't Start

[tankerjock]

I've got a 2001 115 4 Stroke that I just pulled out from winter storage. After changing all the fluids and installing a new battery, it won't start. I pulled the covers off and the starter shaft engages but I just get a loud clicking sound instead of the motor turning over. It did start twice when I was flushing the motor, but when I shut it off to switch the hose the problems began. The first time it wouldn't start I was at the helm turning the key. When I looked back at the motor I saw a small cloud of white smoke on the left side of the engine as I looked at it. I immediately shut it down and could smell a burnt electrical-type odor, but I can't find any burn marks. I checked all the fuses and they're all good. I'm assuming it's the starter or electrical solenoid. Any thoughts before I send it to the shop?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 115 4-Stroke Won't Start

Start at the battery, is it possible that you reversed the connections?

Follow the battery cables to the motor, ensure all connections are clean and tight.

Near the positive cable on the motor you should find a main fuse, is it blown?

If you even briefly touched the battery cables in reverse when installing the battery then this fuse is blown AND your rectifier/regulator is also fried.

 

[tankerjock]

Re: 115 4-Stroke Won't Start

I definitely didn't reverse the battery connections. I did chase the wiring and don't see a fuse between the battery and starter. The red cable is bolted directly to an accessory attached to the starter. Is this the rectifier/regulator you mentioned?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 115 4-Stroke Won't Start

The red battery cable should connect to one of the large terminals on the starter solenoid. On that same terminal is a smaller red wire that if you follow it, should take you to the rectifier/regulator. If the engine started initially and now just clicks. That says you probably have a bad battery cable connection either at the battery or at the engine. Looking at them proves nothing. Remove them, clean them thoroughly, and then reconnect them making sure they are tight. Loose connections mean there is resistance to current flow in the circuit. Resistance causes heat, and heat causes smoke. Make sure you check both battery cables, not just the POS (red one). Also check the cable where it enters the terminal. If there are bulging of the insulation, the cable ends, or the entire cable should be replaced.