200 hp Merc starting problem

J

jackson29

Recruit
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
2
Hi all. I have a 2001 200 hp 2-stroke engine. Yesterday I went to start it, and nothing. I removed engine cover and noticed that the starter gear was spinning, but would not raise. After checking connections and battery levels, it still would not engage. I proceeded to tap the starter lightly, but it did not help. Instead, now the piece does not spin and I have a "ticking/tapping"
noise coming from one of the square packs located next to the starter. Did I make things worse? What could be the problem? Thanks.
 
Firestar

Firestar

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 20, 2006
Messages
530
Re: 200 hp Merc starting problem

Is your battery fully charged And all cables fully tightened?
 
J

jackson29

Recruit
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
2
Re: 200 hp Merc starting problem

Yes, one of the batteries is brand new and has been in the boat for about 2 weeks and is charging fine. The other is holding its charge as well. All bat cables are tight and clean. My gut feeling is the starter solenoid. One thing that is strange, when I tilt the engine up/down, it seems to be sluggish, yet my batteries are showing good voltage with my voltmeter.
 
C

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: 200 hp Merc starting problem

Get your hands on a volt meter and take a few readings while a helper hits the starter button and again while he/she uses the trim.
Take readings
on the battery posts
on the battery cables to the - batt post
the engine end of the battery cables to the - bat post
starter relay to the - bat post
starter motor + post to the - bat post
trim motor relay(s) + post to the - bat post

Any place with low readings while the component is in use has poor connections that need to be disassembled, cleaned, tightened and coated with liquid tape or equiv.

Or it could be that your starter has died.
 
hkeiner

hkeiner

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 17, 2006
Messages
1,055
Re: 200 hp Merc starting problem

The attached troubleshooting guide pages may help you. I don't know if the wiring schematic exactly matches your motor, but the troubleshooting flowchart should still apply.
 

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