Expert: Everett Peacock - 2/20/2009

Question
Hey Everett, I just purchased a 14' fishing boat with a 50 HP Evinrude motor (what year I don't know). When I went to buy it I tried to start it and the starter wouldn't turn over, but every time I tried there was one loud click from the solenoid. My dad and I figured that the starter was just jammed or froze up so I bought the boat thinking it would be a simple problem to fix. If that is the problem can I take the starter off myself and free it up, or do I need to take it to get repaired by a mechanic, or do I just need to buy a new starter. Hope you can help. Thanks

Answer
it depends.. the clicking is the solenoid activatiog...you need to check for voltage at the starter and the solenoids...You can replace the starter or solenoid..with no problem...if you try to rebuild the starter yourself..be carefull of the springs and brushes....