Starter check

[wacnstac]

Well I do experience a very slow crank from time to time. Doesn't seem to matter if the sled is hot or cold, so I'm not sure I suspect the cold relay problem. The battery has been ruled out. Not sure I want to pull this starter out, so I'm wondering if the starter can be checked for the loose bolts from below with pulling the starter.

Any ideas?

 

[Mooseman]

I pulled mine out 8 years ago and did the bolts before they became loose. It was worth the peace of mind. Only the first couple of years of these models were affected as they fixed the issue at the factory on later years.

If the starter is good, then really the only other thing possible is the solenoid. They normally just completely fail to turn the starter but maybe yours is just starting to burn the contacts. I know mine is failing because sometimes it doesn't work and I have to repeatedly turn the key until it does work.

BTW, I accidentally found these solenoids much cheaper. Sure, they're from China but can they be any worse than Yamaha's? $6.99 vs $47. I haven't tried them yet but plan to.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free..._2&btsid=27e04472-22e8-4e4e-afc2-6484824d8572

 

[wacnstac]

I will definitely check out that alternate source for the relay.

 

[wacnstac]

Put a new starter relay in. The old one definitely had green copper residue around the bottom of the pins of the 3 blade harness. Cleaned the harness blades off with contact cleaner, then applied dielectric grease to the blades before assembly. Capped it all off with the old top of a tic tag container to stop any new water intrusion. I'm a little leary of the grease but thought it was a good idea in this case.

20160705_214944

• wacnstac
• Jul 5, 2016

 

[Mooseman]

Did you get it from China? The grease is a good idea and I love that cover! I've seen others use a rubber boot but that's probably the cheapest and best looking.