2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

[Clarky]

I have a 2000 Yamaha 40 hp 2 stroke outboard(C40TLRY) on my pontoon boat. I tried to start it over the weekend. The first couple of times it turned over. It is a little tough to start, so it takes a couple of attempts. The next time I tried, I just heard a click, that was it. The next time, it turned over, but didn't start. Then, from then on out, I would only get a click.

My first thought was the battery getting week. I took it to the auto parts store and it test bad, so they said, so I bought a new one(deep cycle marine type). Put it in the boat and tried it again. Much to my chagrin, it still only clicked.

I have a couple of questions:
1) What things can I check to diagnose the cause of the problem?

2) What technical manual would you recommend.

3) Is there a website that would have pictures of all the parts on the motor that would relate to this problem?

I don't know the first thing about outboards. I just bought this boat(my first) 3 months ago. I do have a multi-meter. I am assuming most of the things to check will require testing voltages.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Clarky

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: 1990 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Re: 1990 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Start by checking the battery voltage to the starter soliniod, then activate the starter and check the voltage on the output side of the solinoid. Be sure to check the battery connections at both ends.

 

[mrn714]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

As long as the voltage at the starter positive is +12 volts, I do not believe that you need to enguage it to check the voltage. Another suggestion it to go direct connect to the starter with jumper cables, just be sure to attached them to the starter then the battory so you do not start a fire. If the starter kicks over, you may have a problem with the battory cables, or ground. I suggest a yamm manuel you can get off this site, or your local dealer.

 

[Clarky]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Ok, here is some new info I just found out. I took the cover off of the motor and tried it again. I discovered that the starter is spinning, but the gear is not rising to hook up with the flywheel.

Does this mean I need a whole new starter($250+) or can I just replace some parts?

Looking at the starter, it looks like there is a screw(helical) shaft that the gear rides on. When the starter winds up, this should force the gear out to the end of the shaft to engage with the flywheel, but for some reason, this is not happening. I have removed the starter, and if I rotate the gear by hand, it does move up to the end.

Any thoughts?

 

[Clarky]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Here are some pictures of what I am talking about. Sorry they are so large.

Here is the starter:

Here is the gear in normal position:

Here is the gear in the extended position:

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Normally caused by low voltage at the starter. Lubricating the shaft the gear runs on will sometimes help. The low voltage problem can stem from battery connections, battery or very seldom the solinoid itself as well as a starter problem. Doing the first test I suggested is a starting place to trouble shoot the problem. The starter has to spin fast enough to throw the gear into place.

 

[Clarky]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

Normally caused by low voltage at the starter. Lubricating the shaft the gear runs on will sometimes help. The low voltage problem can stem from battery connections, battery or very seldom the solinoid itself as well as a starter problem. Doing the first test I suggested is a starting place to trouble shoot the problem. The starter has to spin fast enough to throw the gear into place.

I measured the voltage on the wire going to the starter when the ignition was in the start position and it was 12.56 volts. Also, I used jumper cables to hook my starter up to my trucks battery. When it initially started to spin, the gear did extend, but it did not stay there.

From everything I can tell, the starter isn't spinning fast enough, so I am going to order a new starter and pray that fixes it.

Thx for the help!

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

That would point to the starter. Charge that battery good while you are waiting on the starter. Hard for that charging system to bring a deep cycle up. It should keep it charged fine.

 

[Blue Streaker]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

When you try to start it are the battery cables getting hot? Sounds like you need a brush kit for the starter motor for sure !!! take the starter apart takes 5 min and look at the brushes to see how wore they are

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2000 Yamaha 40 Starting Problem

before buying a starter,they really rarely fail.
try some actual diagnostics.
with your red meter lead on the starter and tour black lead on the grond terminal hit the key to start. if voltage at anypoint drops below 10.5V you have issues other than starter.
the starter uses an inertia drive, if it cannot get full battery current it may spin but not fast enough to make the drive ride up the armeture shaft.
a voltage drop test of the positive and negative cables will isolte any bad connections.