Solenoid 2003 Johnson 115

[Cabobobbo]

When I turn the ignition I hear the starter turn but not kick up to the flywheel. I have 12 volts at the solenoid with the key on but nothing at the starter posts when the key is turned to starting position. Should I assume that everything is fine as far as connectivity to the solenoid and the problem is either a bad solenoid or a bad connection? Any more tests I should do before deciding to buy a new solenoid? I cleaned the large posts on the solenoid and starter but did nothing with the smaller ignition posts.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Solenoid 2003 Johnson 115

emergency kill lanyard?
on the postive post on the solenoid you would have 12 volts, it is connected directly to the battery. jump from it to the small post next to it. this should activate the starter if wire correctly, if not jump to the other small post. if you get nothing then consider the solenoid, after checking the following.

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

 

[Cabobobbo]

Re: Solenoid 2003 Johnson 115

Thanks. I'll remove the kill lanyard and reseat it a couple of times to see if that's it. If not I'll jumper the starter directly from the battery. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Cabobobbo]

Re: Solenoid 2003 Johnson 115

Thanks Tashasdaddy! My problem fell into the 90%. Found a bad ground that didn't look bad at all but after a little sandpaper action all is well.