evinrude etec starter solenoid

[JimFromTN]

I bought a boat with a 2016 evinrude etec 60hp engine that looks like it needs a new starter solenoid. When you turn the key, nothing happens. No clicking or anything. I mess around with the tilt and trim and all of a sudden it starts. This has happened several times now. When I first got the boat I was cleaning out some of the compartments and found 2 old starter solenoids. The person I bought it from bought the engine used and installed it on the boat so not sure if the old solenoids went with that engine or the old one. I read somewhere that others had the same issue and it turned out that something else needed to be replaced which was frying the solenoids. I can't find it now. Has anyone heard of this?

[ChampioNman]

May want to check the neutral safety switch. Apply some pressure or jiggle the shift/throttle handle when it doesn't start and see if it tries to start.

[Team Mud]

I second that, if nothing happens when you turn the key, jiggle the shifter and try it again, mines been doing this for years.

I've got into the habit, every time I put the boat in neutral, I jiggle the shifter, then the next time I go to start it, its ready to go

[JimFromTN]

Its definitely the neutral safety switch. I have to jiggle it with the key turned and it starts. I didn't realize until I took it to my mechanic that you have to hold the key in the start position. He showed me and sent me on my way. He said he can replace it if I want. I was thinking about getting a new control box. The control box on the boat is from and older evinrude motor. The boat is a 93 alumaweld so I am assuming thats the age of the control box. I believe the control boxes changed in 1996. My mechanic pointed this out to me. He was concerned because the engine does not go immediately into forward and reverse. He adjusted it as much as he could and there is still a delay when you push the handle forward and when it engages. He warned me to do it slowly because it could strip out the gears in the lower unit if I do it too fast. So between the switch and the issues with forward and reverse, I am contemplating getting a new box. Are any of the aftermarket boxes any good. They seem to be half the price of an oem box.

[ChampioNman]

There is a reason why they are 1/2 price, so if you get one get two. Next time in to the shop I'd have him drop the lower and check the shift rod height, that may be your issue.