Tohatsu 9.8 electric start problem

[Ostinato]

I have an electric start Tohatsu 9.8 which is intermittently turning over when the start button is pressed. The voltage is good all the way to the engine and I can hear a "click" when the start button is pressed and it does not over. About 50 hours on the engine.



The engine starts easily when it does turn over. Any ideas or trouble shooting suggestions?

[GordMay]

Tohatsu MFS 8B, and MFS 9.8B “Owner’s Manual”
“Troubleshooting”, Pages 82 & 83 ➥ https://www.tohatsu.com/tech_info/ow...11114-3AG1.pdf

Or ➥ https://www.tohatsu.com/int/tech_inf...lish%20web.pdf

[thomm225]

Clean the connections at the battery first.

Clean/reseat/reconnect, etc

You may just be able to tap the terminal connections on the battery to make it work. If that works, redo the connections

[Richard Harper]

If it is anything like my Yamaha 9.9, it is the start solenoid.
Mine lasts a couple of years before the points burn out.
You will hear the solenoid click and the starter may or may not turn.
I carry lots of spare solenoids.

[Ostinato]

Originally Posted by Richard Harper

If it is anything like my Yamaha 9.9, it is the start solenoid.
Mine lasts a couple of years before the points burn out.
You will hear the solenoid click and the starter may or may not turn.
I carry lots of spare solenoids.

That's interesting. Is it hard to get to? Special tools?

[Ostinato]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Tohatsu MFS 8B, and MFS 9.8B “Owner’s Manual”
“Troubleshooting”, Pages 82 & 83 ➥ https://www.tohatsu.com/tech_info/ow...11114-3AG1.pdf

Or ➥ https://www.tohatsu.com/int/tech_inf...lish%20web.pdf

Thanks - do you also have access to a shop manual?

[Richard Harper]

The solenoid looks just like the Yamaha solenoid. Just needs a 10 mm wrench to disconnect the wires and it presses onto a couple of prongs so you should be able to pull it out once the wires are disconnected

This may be your engine:

https://www.boats.net/catalog/tohats...electric-parts

[Ostinato]

Originally Posted by Richard Harper

The solenoid looks just like the Yamaha solenoid. Just needs a 10 mm wrench to disconnect the wires and it presses onto a couple of prongs so you should be able to pull it out once the wires are disconnected

This may be your engine:

https://www.boats.net/catalog/tohats...electric-parts

Yes I think it is or very, very close. It appears that the solenoid and starter motor are both outside of the flywheel - correct?