Voltage tester

[HTG]

Just wondering what tool I need to check the solinoid, starter and battery voltage?

 

[JB]

Re: Voltage tester

You need a multimeter, HTG. Use the procedures listed in "outboard won't start" in Engine FAQs.

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Voltage tester

I am 100% in agreement with the previous post but if you do not feel comfortable with a multimeter a simple 12 volt probe with a light bulb indicator will give a go/no go indication and the brightness of the bulb can give a relative indication as compared to the brightness across a fully charged battery.
By all means buy an inexpensive multimeter and learn to use it as suggested and once you have gotten comfortable with it you can buy a better one but you won't feel as bad burning up a cheap meter.
I always recommend keeping the burned out meters and hang them on the wall of your shop to remind you why it is there.)
As said,an inexpensive troubleshooting light will give you the basics but a meter is the way to go.Ron G

 

[HTG]

Re: Voltage tester

I am going to get one soon. My engine won't start and didn't make any sound at all until I washed and tinkered around with it. Now it is makeing the first sign of a starter noise but the starter doesn't do anything. I intalled a new starter and solinoid a year ago and don't think that they are causing it not to start. What would be the next few thing you would look at? Thanks for the info.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Voltage tester

Loose or dirty connections.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Voltage tester

The below linked thread has a starter troubleshooting guide for a V6 outboard. Your motor may be different, but the general approach to systematic troubleshooting is the same and you may find it helpful. The OEM shop manual for your particular motor is probably your best source for a useful troubleshooting guide.

Methodical troubleshooting (using a multimeter) of this type problem is generally a quicker and less frustrating approach, than randomly replacing/fixing/cleaning stuff on a hunch (educated guess) until the problem is fixed. Just my experience...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=224094&highlight=starter

 

[HTG]

Re: Voltage tester

After I washed everything down yesterday I couldn't figure out why before I washed it I couldn't get any sound and after the wash I could at least hear a starting shound. I just went out and sanded all of the battery connections and that was the problem. There wasn't even much corrosion but I guess it was just enough. Thanks.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Voltage tester

Congratulations. I stand corrected. A fine example of where a hunch (educated guess) wins over using a methodical troubleshooting approach