Starting problem

[dpond855]

Today out on the water when I tried to fire up motor it wouldn’t turn over and was acting like the battery was dead. The motor turned slowly and only a couple turns. Later on after fishing a few hours I tried it and she turned over no problem, nice and strong. I’m running a 1996 120hp force outboard. Any ideas as to what it may be? Thinking ground wire or solenoid? I also noticed the voltage drop to nothing when turning but back up to 12v when in on position. All other accessories (trim motor, radio etc work fine and don’t show significant drop in voltage. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[sludgeguy68]

sounds like a loose wire connection... check terminals on battery, clean connections with a wire brush, and put a wrench on those nuts so they're nice and tight.

 

[Chris1956]

It does not take many ohms of resistance to drop battery voltage too low to start a motor. Clean all four ends of battery cables and inspect all wiring for corrosion.

 

[dpond855]

Thanks guys I’ll check it out when I get home today.

 

[Silvertip]

And when you clean battery cable connections, do the ends on the engine as well. Doing one end does no good if the corrosion is on the other end of the cable.

 

[dpond]

Took some pics of the battery leads that attach to motor. Look a little dirty so I’m gonna start cleaning them up. Everything feels tight.

 

[dpond855]

Still having problems with motor turning slowly when trying to start. Going on vacation next week and I need this boat lol.
Should I be getting any voltage when touching the two large terminals on the solenoid. I’m getting a reading of 12.92 before cranking. Also can someone tell me Hotwire procedure for starter. Pos Jumper cable on terminal with wire connected to it and neg to where it is bolted to motor? The other thing I’m noticing is the starter gear is still engaged to flywheel. Thanks for any help I’m starting to get frustrated here.

 

[dpond855]

I found the start switch to solenoid ground wire had exposed wire and must have gotten hot because there was some meting to the wire insulation. Could this be my problem? I’m gonna change out the wire and try again. Will post results.

 

[dpond855]

[No message]

 

[dpond855]

Still the same problem

 

[Chris1956]

The melting of the insulation indicate some sore of serious current being pulled thru that wire. Way more current than the wires was rated for. it could be a bad starter or some sort of short in the starter circuit. Trace both the +12VDC and ground portions for that circuit (starter solenoid Primary), from keyswitch to solenoid and find the short.

Is it possible the starter is pulling it's current thru the solenoid ground? How is the starter grounded to the block? Is the main ground to the block clean and tight?

 

[dpond855]

Starter is grounded to block via L bracket. Clean and tight.

 

[Chris1956]

OK, then check main ground to engine block. If that is not clean and tight, starter may pull current thru the solenoid ground.

 

[racerone]

Your cables all look nice and clean as done in the factory.-----So load test your battery.----Pull starter apart for inspection.