Need guidance. 55 would not start on me today after driving.

[elroberds]

So I hooked up the trailer, loaded the kayaks and took my son to the local lake this afternoon. Parked the 55 at the boat dock and unloaded the kayaks. Went to move the 55 and it would not start. I have a brand new battery, had power and it would not turn over. Turn the key and I hear a click under the dash. Nothing. I was far enough out of the way, we went kayaking for an hour or so, then called my buddy who has a FJ45LV and he came over we jumped the positive on the battery to the coil, pulled started it and I drove it home. Unhooked the trailer, turned the key off and pulled the wire. Tried to start it again, still nothing. My buddy thinks it is a bad solenoid on the starter. 2F engine (1983) and I believe it has the gear reduction starter. Any thoughts.

 

[gonzopancho]

If it will pull start, then the engine is fine. You have fuel and spark.

Most likely: dirty connections.

Clean the battery terminals, clamps, where the ground runs, and the connection to the starter.

If that doesn’t fix it:

could be: bad starter solenoid, bad starter or bad battery (but yours is new).

only question: why did you have to jump + to the coil? Wouldn’t the key do that?

 

[PabloCruise]

If it will pull start, then the engine is fine. You have fuel and spark.

Most likely: dirty connections.

Clean the battery terminals, clamps, where the ground runs, and the connection to the starter.

If that doesn’t fix it:

could be: bad starter solenoid, bad starter or bad battery (but yours is new).

only question: why did you have to jump + to the coil? Wouldn’t the key do that?

I was thinking starter as well.
Doesn't the starter solenoid control the + to coil? Or is that only during starting? Can't believe I have to ask that, but don't remember how that works...

 

[jmylie]

Ages ago (mid 70's), I had similar issues with my car. It started fine, drove around no problem but if I shut it off, it would not restart. Acted like a dead battery.

Started fine when sitting for a time.

Turns out the battery was bad, internal short when warmed up. New battery and the problem went away.

I've never had this problem since.

 

[elroberds]

Battery connections are new, checked all grounds and fuses . Checked what I think is a fuseable link from the key. My buddy after the fact questioned whether or not we needed to jump from the coil to the battery, he believes we probably did not need to. I guess I will pull and replace starter. Photos for fun

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I have installed a new plunger and contacts in my 80 starter more than once. It's not too difficult but I wouldn't know which contact kit to order for your starter.

 

[gonzopancho]

I was thinking starter as well.
Doesn't the starter solenoid control the + to coil? Or is that only during starting? Can't believe I have to ask that, but don't remember how that works...

Coolerman's Electrical Schematic and FSM File Retrieval

has 55 schematics too

 

[elroberds]

Coolerman's Electrical Schematic and FSM File Retrieval

has 55 schematics too

I downloaded that last night. Very helpful info. Thanks though.

 

[elroberds]

Pulled the starter- tested it at O Riellys- Failed. New starter installed and it fired right up.