1975 85hp Evinrude outboard Solonoid Issue (?)

[JAOLSON2016]

I AM TRYING TO "HOTWIRE" THE FOREGOING ENGINE BECAUSE THE IGNITION KEY IS LOST.
FIRST, I MADE VERY CAREFULLY MADE SURE I IDENTIFIED WHERE THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CABLES WERE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE, AND CAREFULLY DISCONNECTED EACH FROM THE SOLONOID SIMPLY TO SEE IF ITS "COGGED" SHAFT WOULD RISE TO ENGAGE WHAT I SUPPOSED WAS THE ENGINE'S LARGER "COGGED' FLYWHEEL ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHEN I CORRECTLY PUT JUMPER CABLES TO THE SOLONOID'S POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE "POSTS," WHICH I VERY CAREFULLY CLEANED.
BUT THE SHAFT JUST RAPIDLY SPUN CLOCKWISE, BUT DID NOT RISE TO ENGAGE THE ENGINE'S FLYWHEEL..
I THEN CONNECTED THE CABLES TO WHAT I THOUGHT BY CAREFUL VISUAL WIRE REVIEW WERE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POSTS INTO WHAT I SUPPOSED WAS THE SOLONOID STARTER: NOTHING.
DO I CONNECT A MULTIMETER TO THE POSITIVE AND/OR NEGATIVE POSTS IN THE SOLONOID TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY READING WHEN I AGAIN ATTACH THE CABLES TO THE STARTER? AND IF THERE IS, WHAT SHOULD THE METER SHOW ON ITS "SCREEN."
IF THERE IS STILL THE SAME RESULT, TO WHOM MAY I TAKE THE BOAT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC?

 

[James R]

To run a starter motor the battery cables must be connected to the engine in the correct fashion and the terminals and cable ends at both ends need to be clean. A starter motor draws a lot of current. Locate the striped wire at the solenoid. Use a wire with an alligator clip attached to one end. Clip this onto the red battery terminal at the solenoid and touch the other end of the wire to the striped wire terminal. This will activate the solenoid and if this is ok the starter motor will do its thing. Keep everything away from the flywheel.

 

[F_R]

Back off there, Olson, you are about to destroy your alternator rectifier, if you haven't already. I absolutely do not mean to insult you, but take it to somebody that at least has a basic knowledge of electrical circuits as applied to boats or (old) cars. New cars are beyond any of us. People need special education to fix those.

 

[emdsapmgr]

The key switch inside the control box has the key number stamped on the outside of the switch. Problem is that you will need to pull the control box halves apart. Once you locate the key code number on the switch, see you local Evinrude dealer for an exact replacement key.