Another Starter Question

[vic n]

I have i 2009 Merc 50 hp, that spun up fine two weeks ago, but when I went out today, I couldn't get it to fire up. I removed the cover and could see the little gear on top of the starter spin, but it wasn't going all the way up into the flywheel.

Does that mean the solenoid is bad? Could this be a voltage problem?

I know these starter questions have been beaten to death, but I just had to ask!!

Thanks for any and all responses

vic

[Barnacle Bill]

A couple of things can cause that. First of all clean the shaft on the starter that the bendix rides up and down on and lube it with light oil. Test it by turning the bendix manualy, It should go up very easily and when let go, drop back down. That is the most common problem. Next if that didn't fix it, check all your battery connections at both ends. They must be clean and tight. A weak or bad battery could also be the problem. Have it load tested. One of those should fix it but if not there are more tests you can make.

[vic n]

Thanks, Bill....I'm charging the battery now, just to make sure it is full, but the shaft is clean as a whistle...there may not be 25 hrs on this motor, but will check that too. Already done the cables...both ends.

At least I still have warranty on the motor if it comes to that. Just hate to be out of commission!!

vic

[vic n]

I wonder if this is a starter question now, or a voltage question....battery is new, fully charged, but the motor just doesn't seem to be getting the amps it needs to turn over....fuses are okay. But even the trim seems sluggish when I run it up or down.

[boatstall]

New doesn't always guarantee function. Try another battery, or use jumper cables. Sounds like you need to confirm that you have a good battery. Take it back to the seller, and have it load tested.

[Barnacle Bill]

Yes, brand new batteries can be bad.

[vic n]

I've tried it with the trolling battery alone, the new starter battery alone, the two together with jumper cables....everything but putting them in series!! But I will have the new one tested...Lord knows it's been charged plenty!

vic

[boatstall]

I wonder if this is a starter question now, or a voltage question....battery is new, fully charged, but the motor just doesn't seem to be getting the amps it needs to turn over....fuses are okay. But even the trim seems sluggish when I run it up or down.

Have you checked the terminal ends of the cables for any oxidation or corrosion? Wing nuts are also a common "weak link". Try cleaning the terminal ends, and replace the wing nuts with a SS ny-lock hex nut. Wing nuts alone wont cause a starter to drag, but the hex nuts are the best way to make the connection.

Do you have a volt ohm meter?

[vic n]

I haven't really checked the terminal ends much because the motor is so new, it still has all of the pretty factory paint covering all of that....I figured with paint covering everything, the oxidation shouldn't be a problem. Plus everything is connected with hex nuts, altho I doubt if they are nylock.

I've done some checking with a VOM

[jigflinger]

I think that boatstall has the answer. Take every connection apart and make sure they are clean. All of that new, shiny paint may have been applied before the connections were made. Not all assembly people are super at their jobs.