1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

[jeansarepants]

I think my starter solenoid is going bad. I am getting 12 volts to all connections but when I turn the key, I am only getting 6-7 volts on the positive lead of the solenoid going to the starter. I should be getting 12 volts when the key is turned, right?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

Assuming you have a good battery which is fully charged, that indicates a voltage drop, BUT...... that is usually due to a loose connection somewhere OR a tight but dirty connection.

Remove all related cable terminals, at the battery, solenoid, starter, and the ground cable at the powerhead. Clean thoroughly, then reinstall and tighten with a wrench or pliers..... not by hand if wing nuts are encountered.

 

[jeansarepants]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

I have done this. I have also checked the voltage at all points leading to the solenoid and I am getting 12 volts. I get 12 volts on the input side of the solenoid but the output side is only sending 6-7 volts to the starter.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

One can obtain 12 volts from a string of flashlight batteries but that voltage would drop drastically when the key is turned to the start position.

What voltage reading are you getting from the battery side (not the starter side) of that starter solenoid when you turn the key to the start position.

 

[jeansarepants]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

I get 12.6ish volts to the battery side.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

If that 12.6 volts is a reading with the key in the start position, then I would concur that you have a bad solenoid. If the reading is simply a reading without turning the key to the start position, it means nothing.

If the reading above is in the START position, then a clue would be...... connecting a good battery directly to the electric starter. If that causes the starter to crank the engine over as it should, then obviously the battery is okay....... leaving the solenoid suspect.

 

[jeansarepants]

Re: 1971 60hp Starter Solenoid Help

Thanks for the advice. I will make sure I am getting 12 volts everwhere when I turn the key to the start position.

Thanks again and I will let you know what I find.