Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch??? (SOLVED)

[fpdiver]

Battery=new and good voltage.
Connections=good

My 1991 Force 120 is turning over very slowly...sometimes. It looks like when we turn the key all the way it turns over slowly and sometimes doesn't start. When we we just barely turn the key it turns like a bat out of heck and start right up...usually. It never turns over fast if I twist the key all the way...


I didn't think the ignition switch could have an impact on starter speed?? Is this just a bunch of coincidences? An intermittant ignition? A bad starter?


thanks

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Your starter solenoid is like a switch. It is either on or off. Either it gets enough voltage to close the switch or it does not. My guess is your starter is bad. Maybe call around and see if you can get an auto parts store to test the starter for you. Also have them test your battery. I know you said it is new but some new batteries have been sitting on shelves for a long time without being charged. It is real easy to get a bad one.

 

[fpdiver]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

I agree...it sounds like the starter 100%....I was just looking for any possible reason the way I turn the key could have an effect. (other than coincidence and my imagination)


On the battery...I always check the mfg date. Everyone should check the mfg date and voltage on batteries before they buy and the mfg date on tires.


thanks

 

[captquest]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Call around in your area. I was able to get my starter rebuilt for about half the price of a new one. Also ebay may have one for you.

 

[yfz450guy]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

i got a new starter for my 125hp off ebay for $85 shippied.

 

[JB]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Don't start changing parts until you know what parts need changing, if any.

Go to Engine FAQs and do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start".

My guess is a connection problem in the battery cables.

 

[john from md]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch???

I would look for corroded connections and grounds first. Then I would check the battery with a high rate discharge tester. If you don't have one, take it to Pep Boys and they will check it for you.

If the cables and battery are good, the chances are that your starter windings have been cooked.

Regards,

John

 

[fpdiver]

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch??? (FINAL SOLUTION)

Re: Slow Starter Turning...Ignition Switch??? (FINAL SOLUTION)

So,

The starter would sometimes turn quickly and sometimes and it would seem more likely to turn over quickly with a slight key turn. But, I think this was related to the fact with the partial turn of the key we saw quicker if it was going to go. So we did more partial turns in the time it took to do a full turn. Maybe this was related to the position of the cylinders at the time of starting?


Anyway,
We also didn't think is was the starter because the starter was replaced 3 years ago with an ARCO.


Got a deal on a Mercury OEM starter and changed it out. The motor has never turned over so fast and it is 100% consistent. This is a quicker turnover than the ARCO (when new) or even the original starter. Hopefully the OEM starter lasts longer than 3 years.


In short, the old starter was sometimes fine and sometimes slow.



Closed.