BoatBanter.com - '62 West Bend ignition problem

Doug, if you haven't already, invest a few bucks in a 12 volt test
light; you can do wonders with this inexpensive tool.
As I recall, the starter wire coming from the ignition switch is yellow.
Clip the lead wire from the test light to ground and touch the probe to
the battery terminal on the ignition switch (Marked with an "b"). If
the test light lights, do the same test on the starter terminal (Marked
with an "s", a yellow wire) while the key is turned to the start position.
If you are in a hurry you can eliminate the above step. Go back to the
engine, clip the lead to the engine frame or the positive lead on the
battery. (West Bend engines were positive ground). Place the probe on
the starter power wire and turn the ignition switch to "start". If you
have a light - the starter is bad. No light means that there is no power
coming from the solenoid (The solenoid is mounted on the floor or pan of
the engine; the heavy wire from the starter that you just tested goes to
one side of the solenoid. Check the other heavy wire on the other side
of the solenoid for power - that's the wire that goes directly to your
battery. It should have power - if so then check the small yellow? wire
that is attached to the solenoid for power when the switch is in the
"start" position. If you get a light when the switch is turned the
solenoid is bad. If you don't have a light, the next stop is the neutral
safety switch mounted on the starboard side of the engine.
As I remember, that switch is elongated with a plunger on one end and
two wires coming out of the other end. With the ignition switch in
"start" there should be power coming from both wires if you are in
neutral and only from one wire (the output) when the engine is in gear.
If you are unable to find power coming from both terminals chances are
that the switch is bad. As a final test you could pull the switch out of
the engine and then test the switch for continuity with an ohm meter.
If you have a helper operating the ignition switch you should be able to
complete these tests in a couple of minutes. One more thing - always be
sure that you are clear of any moving parts before giving the signal to
turn the switch.
Good luck and good boating,
Jim

Doug Porter wrote:

I have a 1962 40-hp West Bend outboard that's run great for the past
few years. The last time we took it out, though, it suddenly refused
to crank, just complete silence. I assumed it was a loose wire
somewhere but couldn't find one.

Anyway, I followed the wires into the motor and just before they go
into the starter they go into and out of a little lump which I believe
is a solenoid. There is current going in but not coming out, even
when I crank it.

I take it to mean my solenoid's dead, but I really have no idea what
I'm doing so I thought I'd ask...

If it is, how closely do I have to match the part to replace it? Can
I go find any 12-volt marine starter solenoid?

cheers,

doug