1983 9.9 not cranking

[clarkpontoon17]

I have a '83 electric start 9.9 that seems not to be getting power to the starter. When I push the key you can hear the choke solenoid activate but nothing as far as cranking. It has a new ignition and starter solenoid. Any ideas where to start looking. Also motor has sat for a couple of years but did run prior to sitting.

[Joe Reeves]

First check with your fingers to see if the electric starter armature will turn by hand. If it does.................

Second, use jumper cables direct to the electric starter to see if that cranks the starter/engine over. If it does...............

check that all cable end terminals are clean and tight and that when you turn the key to the start position (and it activates as you say... clicks) do you have 12v at the electric starter as you should have.

The problem is usually a loose terminal somewhere OR a tight but dirty terminal end/component due to sitting.

[clarkpontoon17]

I forgot to add that you can "jump" the solenoid and the starter cranks the motor. When I turn the key to the start position it does nothing except when pushing in for the choke.

[Joe Reeves]

Originally posted by clarkpontoon17 View Post

I forgot to add that you can "jump" the solenoid and the starter cranks the motor. When I turn the key to the start position it does nothing except when pushing in for the choke.

Now'ya tell me huh?

That indicates that with the key turned to the START position, the "S" terminal of the ignition switch IS NOT providing 12v to the starter solenoid terminal that activates the solenoid... OR ... the solenoid terminal that normally leads to ground is not grounded.

[clarkpontoon17]

Where can I find a diagram so I know which wires go where on the solenoid?

[clarkpontoon17]

On diagrams I am seeing, the negative cable from the battery should or shouldn't be connected to the starter solenoid?

[Joe Reeves]

Originally posted by clarkpontoon17 View Post

On diagrams I am seeing, the negative cable from the battery should or shouldn't be connected to the starter solenoid?

No, the negative battery cable is simply grounded... normally to the powerhead somewhere.

Is the starter solenoid installed in the engine compartment?

Is the starter operated by a key type ignition switch of a push button?

A starter solenoid normally has 2 large terminals... battery cable attaches to one, the other has a cable going to the starter.

The starter solenoid also normally has 2 smaller terminals... when the solenoid is engaged, 12v is fed to one of those smaller terminals (either one)... the other smaller terminal would have a wire leading to ground.

When 12v is fed to that smaller terminal, a magnetic field is created within it that creates a connection between the two larger terminals that feeds 12v to the starter.

Is this the type solenoid you have?

[Joe Reeves]

[clarkpontoon17]

Thank you sir! I appreciate your help. Getting dark try again tomorrow!

[clarkpontoon17]

Yes I have a 4 post solenoid. It is not in the engine compartment. It's in it's own separate box.

[Joe Reeves]

Originally posted by clarkpontoon17 View Post

Yes I have a 4 post solenoid. It is not in the engine compartment. It's in it's own separate box.

Then the small nut terminal of the starter solenoid that states "To Ground" would be attached to the powerhead. Wired in the manner you see and explained would cause the solenoid to engage and supply a full 12v through it to the electric starter.

However, you must have 12v present at the "B" (battery) terminal of the ignition switch to begin with....

And when the key is in the START position, there should be 12v present at the "S" (Solenoid) terminal. This would be the terminal/wire that leads to the small terminal of the solenoid that engages it.

[clarkpontoon17]

There are 3 black wires connected to the ground post of the solenoid with 1 coming from the battery, and 1 running to the motor grounding on the front. Not sure what the 3rd is. I don't know how to upload pics on here or I could show you.

[clarkpontoon17]

Ok there are 2 smaller nuts on the solenoid. The smaller one is the ground? Sorry I guess they're the same size. I tried switching sides anyway still nothing. I'm gonna run the battery to get tested.

[Joe Reeves]

At this point, I can think of nothing more that would explain the wiring setup any easier. If you might know of anyone locally that would be be somewhat involved in auto mechanics (if not outboards), I'm sure they would be knowledgeable in that starter circuit and would help you through it.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help to you.

[clarkpontoon17]

Thanks for your help!