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gib241 · Finger Mullet Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 17

Seeking wisdom from folks much smarter than myself.

2002 Yamaha 70hp and starting her.

New battery, new cables, starter checked twice, and she still will not turn over.

History

1. Have starter checked and told nothing wrong with it.
2. Replaced battery cables and checked all connections.
3. Brand new battery
4. Direct hookup from new battery with new cables directly to starter.

When attempting to start flywheel will not even make a 1/4 turn with spark plugs in. With spark plugs out and still direct hookup, flywheel spins like a top.

5. I took starter back to shop. They tell me starter is fine, but all they can do is wedge a piece of wood to simulate some sort of load, and it spins fine.

Your thoughts? I am still thinking it is a starter issue as I have removed everything else out of the equation. Thank you for your help.

Johninaustin · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 1109

Just spitballing here, I've never worked on a Yamaha.

Verify they are the correct plugs. (not too long) pull the plugs one at a time and see if it only locks up with one.

Also, put a socket and breaker bar on the flywheel nut and see if you can spin it manually without the starter connected and the plugs in.

Midsized Johnson · Joined: 20 Sep 2018 Posts: 2

Did it ever run for you? Like what was said above, are you sure you have the correct spark plugs?

gib241 · Finger Mullet Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 17

Going to verify plugs this afternoon. It was running before changing out plugs. I can turn the flywheel by hand with new plugs in. I replaced old plugs with new ones of same part number.

I will keep ya posted.

gib241 · Finger Mullet Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 17

I verified correct plugs are in.

Another trial and error:

1. Removed all spark plugs and flywheel spins like a top
2. Put one plug back in and flywheel slows way down but flywheel turns
3. Put two spark plugs in and flywheel barely turns
4. Put all plugs in and flywheel will not turn but maybe 1/4 if that
5. Switch which cylinder(s) have plug(s) and same results every time.

Thoughts?

Rebecca of Sunnybrookfarm · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 3967

take the plugs out, get a tiny flashlight or camera-on-a-stick and look in each cylinder to check for scoring, holes in piston, etc..

then do a compression check
becky
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CaptPatrick · Pony Mullet Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Posts: 71

Let's back up a little. Why are you replacing those? Was it because it wouldn't turn after spark plug change? And you're right about them not being able to load test. Which gives me a good guess where you got it. If you still have the old one try it. If not take it back and tell them you need a Hitachi starter. It's what it came with.

And I don't see this as off topic. An outboard motor is one of your
most expensive and often vital piece of fishing equipment.
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Adrift on the Mother Lagoon

gib241 · Finger Mullet Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 17

For clarification it is the original starter going on 17 years.

Spark plugs are new because I was doing maintenance on the motor.

I ruled out starter initially because I took starter int o to have it looked over. They told me it was fine. After I did more tests, I was back to starter. I took starter in a second time, and they told me it was fine. Company was very courteous and professional. They also did not charge me for second visit and less than $20 for first visit.

I went back to more tests at suggestions of people much smarter than me. Everything kept leading back to starter.

I finally took a 2x4 and a hammer hitting the starter while someone turn the key over. Flywheel finally spinning all the way around but not enough to start it so I am back to starter again.

Thank you to everyone for your help. I am gong to try another starter and see what happens.

CaptPatrick · Pony Mullet Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Posts: 71

17 years! That's exactly what they do when they are going out. Quit turning under load. Be glad it wasn't on the water.
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Adrift on the Mother Lagoon

Rebecca of Sunnybrookfarm · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 3967

vtol · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 6:26 pm Post subject:

What were the condition of the spark plugs once removed.
I.E. wet, dry, or color?
Also check ground connection to starter.
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Paul

gib241 · Finger Mullet Joined: 20 Jul 2017 Posts: 17

Everything in good shape. I told myself multiple times it was the starter, but the professionals said starter was fine (2x).

After multiple tests, I bought a starter, slapped it on, and motor turned over and started first crank.

I took old starter back to professionals telling them it was this starter and would they please rebuild it because it is a Hitachi. They said it was not possible because the armature was probably bad and it costs $80 or $90 dollars. I told them to get it and rebuild starter due to quality of starter (16 years and saltwater its entire life).

They told me part was no longer available.

I told them I guess the old starter goes to scrap metal pile. They told me no because someone would buy it even in this condition and to put it up on internet (magnets and brushes good). I asked them if they would like to purchase it, but they declined.

Case closed.

BayFly · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 9:24 pm Post subject:

gib241, go on The Hull Truth and see what you can find in the way of repair parts, help, etc. There is more than one large Yamaha dealer on there frequently, and parts companies who might could help you find what you need.
One of the best Yamaha parts firms is Sim Yamaha, and they reportedly are very helpful on unique Yamaha needs if you contact them. I seem to recall they are one of The Hull Truth sponsors. Good luck with your starter.