starter doesn't spin or pop up

[Joe M]

I have a 1987 Force 85hp outboard and the motor won't start. When I turn the key the starter spins a little bit like a second hand on a clock and it doesn't pop up or anything. I have tried WD-40 on it and it still doesn't move. Has anyone else had this problem and will a new starter fix it or is it something else. One mechanic said it was a dead spot in the solinoid and use it until it won't start any more. Well, after several yaers of putting up with this problem, the starter has stopped working.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

Run a heavy wire directly from the + side of the battery to the starter. Assuming you have a charged battery...it should spin over...if not..you may have to get the starter rebuilt...or replaced.<br /><br />TMD

 

[Joe M]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

the battery is brand new. where does the heavy wire go on the starter, isn't there already a direct feed???

 

[Bco128]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

just connect the wire to the post on the starter the same as it is hooked up now.and no it is not direct right now...currently it runs through the starter selenoid then to the starter.by running the wire directly to the starter itself you are activly bypassing this selenoid.if the starter warks fin like this then the selenoid is fried and should be replaced.if the starter still does not work with the direct power then the starter is the suspect.i suggest having it rebuilt as a new one is costly and the rebuild will likely cost less than half the price.i had mine rebuilt on an 86 85hp and it ran me $86 as the new one was about $200.they redid everything exept rewind the armature.a starter generator shop should be able to do it as most of the marina and boat mechanic shops today wont.if you are unable to find someone to rebuild i let us know and i will direct you to the shop i sent mine too.they do an exelent job and are very fast.they had mine ready by noon the next day.

 

[JB]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

Hi, Joe.<br /><br />To test your starter use jumper cables. Positive to the stud on the starter and negative to the engine block.<br /><br />If the starter engages disconnect, clean and reconnect all heavy cables with special attention to the battery ground lead where it attaches to the engines block.<br /><br />Let us know the results and we can recommend the next step or two if your problem isn't solved.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[mechanikas]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

Hi,Joe,starter has couple of things-motor,gear that engages ,and solenid,which is a relay,connecting power and engaging gear<br />with flywheel.The gear-bendix-turns one way,doesnt turn other way,if turns both ways,bendix is bad ,need starter rebuild.<br />Can be heard starter runing,like a motor,not turning anything.But,as you have mentioned,your mechanic has talked about solenoid,the smaller cilinder on top of starter body.It is like an electro magnet,if there wiiring busted thats a result.Check your elecrical connections,if you will hear click click,by the relay.(Not on starter).The bottom line-starter uses lot of juice-if connection bad,just doesnt turn,because of relay(WHICH IS ON YOUR IGNITION WIRING),and clicks a lot!Good luck!

 

[Joe M]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

Sorry for the delay, I attached jumper cables and the starter engaged quite easily. I still need to disconnect and clean the heavy cables and see if this helps the problem. The gear on the top of the starter does not move at all now when the key is turned. Another post recommends a direct ground to the starter, does this make sense? And one more question, if this problem has been going on for 10 plus years, do you think it could be as simple as a bad connection?<br />The battery is brand new and the terminal ends were replaced last year. The ground in the motor itself looks to be in a somewhat akward spot, is there an easy way to get to it without removing the starter?

 

[scotiany]

Re: starter doesn't spin or pop up

I'm not absolutely sure this will work but, how about a heavy gauge wire from the starter mounting stud to someplace on the block. That should assure a good ground.