2000 Yamaha F25 electric start problems

[Never Enough Time to Fish]

I'm having electric start issues with my 2000 Yamaha 25hp 4 stroke outboard motor.

The battery is new and fully charged....depth finder shows 12.8 volts on the diagnostics screen, so I assume this is not a battery related issue.

I can feel relay working when I push the start button each time. Sometimes the starter motor does nothing. Sometimes the gear at the top of the starter will move up, but not spin. Sometimes it'll start like it should.

What should I try next? Can the starter brushes be cleaned? Is this common?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Never Enough..........

[boatfixer]

The 1st thing I would do is check the battery cable connections on both ends. Solenoid and ground connections. Check to see they are tight and clean. If all seem good, use a volt meter to see that you are getting good voltage to the starter positive terminal.

[Never Enough Time to Fish]

Connections at battery, solenoid & starter are tight and clean. I get a reading of 12+ volts at the battery, solenoid & starter. Still having the same issues as posted originally. What to try next?

Never Enough......

[boatfixer]

First make sure the starter itself is tight to the block and grounded well. If so....Remove the starter and have it tested at an

automotive electric shop.

[Ufatz]

I think Boatfixer may be on it-sounds like the starter itself is at fault. If you have voltage as you describe the starter SHOULD be doing its job.