78 Rude 25hp electric start problem Help please

[jts4u]

Hi All
Need help please. I have a 1978 25hp evinrude electric start OB. The starter is struggling to turn the motor over. I've charged the Battery and also tried it jumped to my car. the Bendix engages but only turn a little on first key turn, it will start to trun once the key is turned a few more times, but does struggle. If i whip the plugs out she turns over fine, I've checked the solinod connections ant the starter motor connecton. She has good compression on both pots. She starts fine with a rope pull on the flywheel nearly every time. Starter motor or solinod i would think.
Regards JTS4U

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 78 Rude 25hp electric start problem Help please

Make sure the connections are tight at both the engine, and battery. Check both cables where they bend when the engine pivots, they can break there. If this checks out, sounds like you will have to rebuild, or replace the starter

 

[F_R]

Re: 78 Rude 25hp electric start problem Help please

Do you have a voltmeter (multimeter)? And do you know how to do voltage drop tests? That will pin-point the problem. If you don't know how to do voltage drop tests, now is a good time to learn. Check back for more inst.

 

[jts4u]

Re: 78 Rude 25hp electric start problem Help please

Thanks for the help guys

I did the voltage drop test and found a 3 volt drop on the positive battery cable. I pulled it out of the cable sheath to find the insulation cracked and the cable corroded, I noticed that the cable got warm when starting (never a good sign).
Just ordered some new cable, hopefully much cheaper than a new starter motor.

Thanks John