Engine Electrical Starting Problem Diagnosis

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Author Topic:   Engine Electrical Starting Problem Diagnosis

sbuchholz posted 03-16-2010 07:51 AM ET (US)
[Y]esterday [I] attempted to start my [Evinrude 175-HP INTRUDER outboard motor]. It tried to turn over[,] but it didn[']t[.] [I] checked the batteries and charged them in the afternoon[.] [I] attempted again after the batteries where fully charged[,] and the engine only clicked. Is [the cause of the problem with staring] the starter or power pack? If [the cause of the problem is the starter or the power pack,] how do [I] check these parts to see if [they are] not working?
Buckda posted 03-16-2010 10:03 AM ET (US)
Well, before you do anything with the starter, take the battery down to an auto parts store and ask them to "load test" it. It is possible for a battery to show full charge but when under load it doesn't have the power needed.
Also, while you're doing that - pull the spark plugs and turn the motor over by hand - to make sure that the cylinders didn't freeze up over the winter. If it wasn't properly winterized or if you have a bigger problem, it is possible that the cylinders are locked with a bit of corrosion.
Good luck.
Dave
newt posted 03-16-2010 12:03 PM ET (US)
Your problem so far has nothing to do with the power pack. The clicking sound usually means you don't have enough power to the starter. As Buckda said above, make sure your batteries are good, but also check for corrosion on all the wire connections. If you can get your vehicle close to the boat, try jump starting - this will rule out the battery.
sbuchholz posted 03-16-2010 03:25 PM ET (US)
[I] checked my batteries under load[.] [T]hey [measured] 12.69 [volts.] [I] checked the starter without load: [the voltage there] was 12.69 [volts][.] [W]hen [I] checked [unclear] with the key turning [the measured voltage] went to 2-volts.
jimh posted 03-16-2010 07:52 PM ET (US)
In any circuit in which the power is supplied by a battery, the first circuit element to evaluate as a source of the problem is the battery. Check the battery terminal voltage when the battery is under the load of the engine starter motor.
If you measure a voltage drop to 2-volts from 12-volts in an engine starting motor circuit, there is too much series resistance in the circuit.
jimh posted 03-16-2010 07:54 PM ET (US)
To learn how to diagnose problems in an engine starter motor circuit, please read and study the article in the REFERENCE section on this topic:
Electric Starting Circuits
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/electricStart.html
contender posted 03-20-2010 06:21 PM ET (US)
couple of more things, check your battery cables, are both ends clean and connected with no cuts in the line? then also check if the ends are tight on the engine and the battery...good luck

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Author	Topic: Engine Electrical Starting Problem Diagnosis
sbuchholz	posted 03-16-2010 07:51 AM ET (US) [Y]esterday [I] attempted to start my [Evinrude 175-HP INTRUDER outboard motor]. It tried to turn over[,] but it didn[']t[.] [I] checked the batteries and charged them in the afternoon[.] [I] attempted again after the batteries where fully charged[,] and the engine only clicked. Is [the cause of the problem with staring] the starter or power pack? If [the cause of the problem is the starter or the power pack,] how do [I] check these parts to see if [they are] not working?
Buckda	posted 03-16-2010 10:03 AM ET (US) Well, before you do anything with the starter, take the battery down to an auto parts store and ask them to "load test" it. It is possible for a battery to show full charge but when under load it doesn't have the power needed. Also, while you're doing that - pull the spark plugs and turn the motor over by hand - to make sure that the cylinders didn't freeze up over the winter. If it wasn't properly winterized or if you have a bigger problem, it is possible that the cylinders are locked with a bit of corrosion. Good luck. Dave
newt	posted 03-16-2010 12:03 PM ET (US) Your problem so far has nothing to do with the power pack. The clicking sound usually means you don't have enough power to the starter. As Buckda said above, make sure your batteries are good, but also check for corrosion on all the wire connections. If you can get your vehicle close to the boat, try jump starting - this will rule out the battery.
sbuchholz	posted 03-16-2010 03:25 PM ET (US) [I] checked my batteries under load[.] [T]hey [measured] 12.69 [volts.] [I] checked the starter without load: [the voltage there] was 12.69 [volts][.] [W]hen [I] checked [unclear] with the key turning [the measured voltage] went to 2-volts.
jimh	posted 03-16-2010 07:52 PM ET (US) In any circuit in which the power is supplied by a battery, the first circuit element to evaluate as a source of the problem is the battery. Check the battery terminal voltage when the battery is under the load of the engine starter motor. If you measure a voltage drop to 2-volts from 12-volts in an engine starting motor circuit, there is too much series resistance in the circuit.
jimh	posted 03-16-2010 07:54 PM ET (US) To learn how to diagnose problems in an engine starter motor circuit, please read and study the article in the REFERENCE section on this topic: Electric Starting Circuits http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/electricStart.html
contender	posted 03-20-2010 06:21 PM ET (US) couple of more things, check your battery cables, are both ends clean and connected with no cuts in the line? then also check if the ends are tight on the engine and the battery...good luck