Old Engine Starting Woes

[chataqua]

1978 Johnson 115 v4 ... starter seems like it's not getting enough juice to get high enough (elevation) to engage the flywheel to start.   After a few tries it would intermittently / rarely engage, but couldn't get it going long enough to get the old, cold engine started.   Looking for advice on what to troubleshoot between the battery and the engine for what appears to be not getting enough voltage to the engine.   I did run up to the store and buy a new battery.   After calling it a day, not getting her fired up, we took the batteries and had both tested.   Both appeared to be fine and charged.   

[boatnamesue]

Get yourself a digital multimeter if you don't already have one.  Since you've confirmed cranking battery if fully charged, next step is to confirm the starter is receiving 12v.  Use the meter probes at the starters terminals to check volts.  If good, use probes to test the starters resistance at the terminals.  If no resistance is detected and the starter is receiving 12v...replace starter. 

[chataqua]

Bought a meter tonight, will try and test tomorrow depending on weather.  Thank you. 

[NekoMich]

Well, after some work today, the issue is in the ignition switch. At least we were able to get it up and running and went out on the water for a bit today!

[RickK]

Nice!

[chataqua]

We hit a top speed of 43 MPH.  Not bad for a '78 boat / engine.  Face is feeling salty and wind burnt.   No better feeling :-)