Starter for '85 30HP (J30ELCOA) issues, just spinning

[Bradley_G]

was on the lake enjoying things and stopped for the kids to feed the ducks, when idling, the motor died (not uncommon with my boat it seems). Tried to start again and starter would not pop up, only spun. Thought maybe it was battery, so after I trolled in and brought it home I checked, battery had 95% and I charged to 100 and same issue.

Is this something I can repair just the solenoid (I'm assuming thats what pops it up) or is it easier just to buy the whole thing and replace? I have no problem working on it but just need to know what has to be replaced.

Any help would be wonderful.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Starter for '85 30HP (J30ELCOA) issues, just spinning

Try jumping it directly and see if it works.
If it doesnt try holding the bendix and turning the starter with a crescent, sometimes they get stuck on the shaft at the bottom

 

[Bradley_G]

Re: Starter for '85 30HP (J30ELCOA) issues, just spinning

Try jumping it directly and see if it works.
If it doesnt try holding the bendix and turning the starter with a crescent, sometimes they get stuck on the shaft at the bottom

how do I jump the solenoid? I don't want to fry anything. What should it do when jumped if working properly? Key position when doing so, etc. Sorry I'm a total rookie when it comes to electrical troubleshooting.

 

[Bradley_G]

Re: Starter for '85 30HP (J30ELCOA) issues, just spinning

so I used the crescent wrench technique and it pops up every time I turn it on. Is there a way to keep this from sticking again? Is this a tell that the solenoid is going out?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Starter for '85 30HP (J30ELCOA) issues, just spinning

I use a fine grease on the shaft, dont over clog it. I work it in from the top and the bottom, it might not be the proper thing to do but it works for me. Take a crescent out on the boat as its hard but not impossible to do by hand if it happens out on the water.
As long as it keeps popping up after grease then the solenoid is fine