Thread: Motor will not start

Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

The ignition system does not use battery voltage to operate. The battery is only needed for the starter and accessories. The starter must turn the motor over at least 300 RPM for the motor to start. This is so the stator puts out enough current for the ignition system.

This is why you can pull start and it run with a dead battery. Same thing with a four wheeler, lawn mower, or even cars/trucks (alternator).

Originally Posted by Scrapper

Do you have a volt meter/multi meter?? Or a test light? When jumping it, it won't take much...you are just wanting to bump the starter...you'll here it bump.

THe click is when you turn the key to try to start...or when you just turn the key on??

An ignition switch has different poles on it...even though some are working one or more can be damaged.

Pull the ignition switch and look at it. There will be a number of wires going to it. If you look at the back of it you'll see letters on it. These letters stand for various things. Juice coming in, ignition, acc, starter, and so forth. Once you pull it look at it and let us know what all is back there.

no I don't have a way to test it. the click only sounds when I try to start it not when the key is just in the on position. I am leery about pulling the switch out because my motor mech said there is a ball bearing inside the throttle box that is a booger getting back in and some times goes flying when the box is opened up. not sure if this makes a difference but my boat is a stick steer set up.

Solenoid is very easy to check, eliminate the easy things first

Certain ignitions even though they use a stator and trigger still need battery voltage to energize the circuit.

Originally Posted by Rees Guide

Solenoid is very easy to check, eliminate the easy things first

I agree with this. If its clicking when you turn the key, I'm swinging back to the solenoid. As stated, they are very easy to check.

Borrowed a volt meter and the solenoid checked good on the big wire to the starter, how ever when I checked the small wire I got nothing. Think it's the switch? Or a bad connection or?

If you are not getting power to the solenoid when the key is turned to the start position it is either the switch, wiring or neutral safety switch.

If there is 12 volts going from the solenoid output to the starter the solenoid is working properly. Does your solenoid have 3 or 4 wires?