25 hp starter spins but wont pop up/engage

[Sdowiat]

Hello everyone. I'm working on a well preserved and low usage '89 25 hp Evinrude. I'm sorting out one issue at a time.... this spring it started and ran well but water wasn't squirting out. Got that solved I think but my issue now is that the starter spins in place but dosen't pop out and engage. I'm fully charging the battery to see if that helps. Will tapping on the starter with a hammer help or is that dangerous?

Any thoughts are appreciated. I appreciate your input.

Stan D

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 25 hp starter spins but wont pop up/engage

First off make sure that battery is fully charged, 12.65 volts. Then make sure all connections are clean, make them SHINE!! Check all wiring for kinks, nicks, abrasions, etc.... or buldges, that is a sign of inner corrosion. Most of these problems are wiring or connection related. Try turning the starter by hand 1/4 turn, if that sorts it out, the brushes may be shot, and the starter needs a rebuild, done by most starter repair shops, and alot cheaper than buying new. But charge that battery first and let us know what you find. Just another test. Get yourself a multimeter and measure the voltage at the starter (+) terminal while somebody turns the key over to "start" - if you get within half a volt or so of the battery voltage, the starter is faulty.

Bad voltage at starter (with clean tight connections), measure the voltage at the solenoid small terminal with the yellow/red wire with the key turned over to "start" you should read within a half-volt of battery voltage, otherwise you have a wiring fault beween the keyswitch & solenoid. Good voltage at solenoid but bad voltage at starter means faulty solenoid.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 25 hp starter spins but wont pop up/engage

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[ezeke]

Re: 25 hp starter spins but wont pop up/engage

Move the pinion up by hand until it engages the flywheel. Then thoroughly clean the drive with a little wd-40 and lubricate lightly with very light machine oil, sewing machine oil being considered ideal.