150xp starting issue

[Stevebandl]

Hello. New member here. I started having issue with my starter a few weeks ago so I just installed a new starter. Now when I try to start with a fresh battery after a few cranks it lacks enough power to turn the engine over. Once I charge the battery a little more I get a few more cranks then it lacks power again. Battery checks out good but it goes from a full charge to 50% on the charger after just a few cranks. It's got me baffled. Any thoughts?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 150xp starting issue

Possible that you have a bad starter solenoid. Old starter solenoids eventually get burned carbon on the contact tips inside. When that happens, the contacts just won't transfer enough current to run the starter properly. You can double check this with a simple test. With a fresh battery, jump it with automotive cables, direct to the starter. If the starter cranks the engine normally-then replace the solenoid.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 150xp starting issue

If that test doesn't fix it, check the entire length of the battery cables (+ and -) for corrosion.

 

[bpollock]

Re: 150xp starting issue

when you say "the battery checks out good" did you do a "load test" on the battery? Because a good battery should not lose 50% charge with that amount of use, I would test with another battery before going much further

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 150xp starting issue

I've also seen starter solenoids that stick in the closed positon. If the engine is running, you won't know it-the starter continues to run/turn under the cowling, consuming large amounts of battery current. Does not take long for the starter to overheat and the battery will drain quickly. If the starter overheats for an extended period-you'll be needing a new starter. (any chance that happened to your first starter?)

 

[Stevebandl]

Re: 150xp starting issue

I took the battery out for the 2nd time today and had a complete diagnostic test run and it tested good for the 2nd time. I replaced the solenoid a few days ago to no avail. I jumped the starter with cables straight from my fully charged battery today. It cranked 6 or 8 times before it started getting weak. I may have gotten a bad new starter. I didn't have the problem I have now until I installed the new starter. If that doesn't work I'll probably take it to the shop.