Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electrical?, volt light, solinoid

Question
i have a 35h.p boat motor that won't turn over with the key.ive been starting it by just running a wire from the starter to the battery.i was wondering if this is ok or if it will get to much power and damage the starter.it should be getting the same amount as when the solinoid opens shouldnt it?

Answer
Hi Mike,

You are correct.  What you are doing wont hurt the starter.
I suspect a faulty solenoid.  To test it, follow my No Cranking proceedure below.

Good luck.
Michael

If the starter and battery are good, you may need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to
the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large
terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the
other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key
switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.