Slow cranking when trying to start

[dpond855]

hi all. I have a 1996 120hp force outboard. The motor turns slow when trying to start. Cleaned all cables and terminals still same issue. Had this issue a month ago but it went away and started normal so I thought nothing of it but it has come back again. The starter is engaged with the fly wheel and doesn’t drop down. Could this be from a bad solenoid or bad starter. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

did you remove the starter and clean the mounting pad?
have you load tested your battery?

 

[dpond855]

The battery was load tested and is fine. I did notice on the dash that the voltage dropped to about 2 volts when cranking. Starter is still on the boat. Can I do some jumping of wires to isolate if it’s the starter or solenoid and what is the procedure for that. I do have a multimeter

 

[Alan407]

I just had this same issue and started a thread. If you have a battery box try applying power directly to the starter. Also, a compression test is very quick. I had low compression in cyl 1-3 seized rings.

 

[Jiggz]

The starter bendix gear drive needs to come down before you try to crank again. This is a must for the starter needs momentum, i.e. starts rotating before engaging the flywheel. If the bendix gear continues to stay up there is either problem with the shaft, i.e. corroded or dirty or build up with dust or a broken/missing spring.. You also need to apply light grease on the flywheel and gear drive.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The starter , clean/rebuild.
The cables: check for weak, or bad spots, the connectors can be bad.
Compression check. One low cyl. can cause the problem.
The lower unit: the bearings seizing can do it to.

 

[catfishcarl99]

had the same issue cleaned terminals and still weak. heres what I found. brushed bad lots of powder and a cracked brush holder. ordered a new end cap and brush kit assembly. put it on today. thing sounds like a million dollars now and cranks faster than it has in the 14 years I have had it.

 

[catfishcarl99]

I was gonna get a used one for $60. figured I got nothing to loose and took it apart. ended up cleaning the armature lubing the gear shaft painting the case and top and spent $35 on the new cap assembly. now its good as new. if your magnets are in good shape. that's way way to go if it needs new brushes. I prob ended up way better than a used one that would be 1/2 wore out too.