1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

[gahunter706]

I have a 1998 Mercury 40hp that won't start. Starter is spinning, but not engaging on the flywheel. Tried 2 different batteries that were both fully charged and neither worked. Only work done on the motor was I changed the spark plugs and lower unit oil. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

Could be corrosion in the battery cables and connections.

Try using jumper cables from a fresh battery direct to the starter. If the starter works, take all battery cables off, check them for soft or swollen spots, scrub all connectors shiny and reconnect.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

I asked you whether or not you wanted the service manual in a previous post:

http://forums.iboats.com/mercury-mariner-outboards/1998-mercury-40hp-607786.html#post4235004

Offer still stands.

What is your engine s/n?

Here is a link to the starter:

Mercury, Mercruiser, Force, etc. - Starter Motor - 30/40 (2 CYLINDER) 2-STROKE

Is item 4 rising to engage the flywheel when you hit start? If not, place a few drops of light oil on the slide and work it up and down a few times and then try it again.

Gerry

 

[gahunter706]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

Carholme - You have already sent me a copy of the service manual so I have that. Once it quits raining here I will try to oil that part and see if it starts.

 

[gahunter706]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

I got the boat running. The gear on top of the starter wasn't lifting, so I sprayed it with some lube and worked it loose with a screwdriver. Once it came loose it started right up.

 

[gahunter706]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

I have another question. These two wires were unplugged and I was wondering if they should be connected? One is dark brown w/ a white stripe, the other is tan. Motor runs fine with them not connected, and I haven't tried running the motor with them connected.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1998 40hp Mercury Starter problem

Brown with white stripe is for trim sender signal to gauge if installed.
Tan is for the temperature sender/warning system if installed.

Gerry