BF40 starter problems

colobear · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 11:40 am Post subject: BF40 starter problems

Thought I would post this for everybody's information. I had been having intermittent starting problems with one of the 2006 40s on C-Cakes. Sometime the starter would engage other times no, just a click like a weak battery. I discovered that by just unlatching the engine cover the problem would go away. That led to checking the main wiring harness at the front of the engine. By wiggling that harness I could sometimes fix the problem. I thought I had a loose wire somewhere in the harness but found nothing. I took the main bundle connector apart and cleaned all contacts with contact cleaner, same problem. Last Wednesday, while we were on the water I could not get the engine to start at all. While checking for causes I discovered that one connection on the starter solenoid was completely loose. I tightened that but still couldn't start the engine. Friday Harbor Marine was able to look the engine as soon as we got in on the other engine. They quickly discovered it was the starter solenoid by jumping across the power connections and getting the engine to start...did I feel like an idiot, I know enough about engines to have done that but was so focused on wiring I never thought to make that test. They did not have a solenoid but got a part number for me. I am able to start the engine by jumping the solenoid and am now trying to find a solenoid. Honda does not make that easy. So, the message is, open the hood look at the power connections on the starter solenoid and make sure they are tight. I am pretty sure the loose connection on my engine led to arcing and solenoid failure. Oh, and...does anybody have an idea for a solenoid source?

journey on · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 2:15 pm Post subject:

Try this place:

Boats Net Honda Parts

Call them if you can't find the part on the internet. Talk to the service guy, not the sales number.

Boris

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 2:33 pm Post subject:

Barry, here's one for $116.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-2021-new-honda-marine-outboard-starter-35-50hp-bf35-bf40-bf45-97-06.aspx

Charlie

colobear · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 4:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks Boris and Charlie. I don't need the whole starter, just the starter solenoid but DB Electrical may be the place to go. I'll keep everybody updated.

journey on · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:40 pm Post subject:

OK, Barry. I'm killing time until Judy gets back with the grandkids. So try this: Honda 40 outboard starter solenoid 2006

Boris

colobear · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:39 pm Post subject:

Boris bless you Love

The solenoid you found was not the right part number but just further down the page was the correct part. It is ordered. Many thanks! C-Brats once again prove what a great resource this site is. Thanks Bill and Mike.

journey on · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:56 pm Post subject:

Watch it, Barry. I'm a married man.

Boris

colobear · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject:

Installed the new solenoid today, pretty easy, now I don't have to jump the solenoid to start the engine! One more step toward Lake Powell!

Thanks again Boris and Charley