Re: Ground Problem?

[frankr]

quote beerman57:

The almost new solenoid I have with me tests fine. The weird deal with the motor turning over but not starting until you jumped across the large solenoid posts, that is just completely baffling to me. After that the motor would start fine all day, until it was allowed to sit for a week or 2, then would have jump across the large posts again. Oh, the starter never seemed to be dragging before, not that I noticed anyway.
So, as I expected, there is probably nothing wrong with either solenoid. I’ll check the grounds and volts at the yellow/red, small solenoid terminal. I’m going to start on new axles, springs and bunk brackets for this boat’s trailer tomorrow. But at 3pm there is the celebration of life for my welder friend.

OK, you say it tests fine. Did you actually do a voltage drop test across it as Bill previously suggested? If it clicks, the primary part is OK. But a voltage drop test across the big lugs is the only meaningful way to test the high amperage contacts.

EDIT: I didn’t see the later posts. Of course if the powerhead was stuck or partially stuck the starter would draw unusually high amperage, which would reduce the voltage. But I still stand by what I just said about a voltage drop test. That is if the motor is worth monkeying with.