Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

Hello all, I'm new to this forum and certainly still have some poking around to do to get further educated on this nightmare of a boat but I figured put a posted out summarizing the problems I'm having.

I have a 1986 Wellcraft with a Mercruiser I/O MCM 170. I currently have a couple things going on.

#1. My buddy accidently pushed the throttle too hard when attempting to prime the choke and the throttle lever skipped the normal stopping point and messed up the calibration. I was able to get the neutral position lined back up (at least I think I did) but now the engine won't start. It just clicks when I turn the key, and yes I made sure the battery was fully charged.

#2. Unrelated to the above problem. Before we screwed up the throttle she would start on the first turn of the key when cold but will not start after taking a few laps around the lake and getting the engine hot. At first we thought the choke needed to be adjusted but that resulted in the problem #1.

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

Welcome to Iboats.

sounds like the neutral switch is not lined up with neutral any more. the problem lies in your controls.

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

If it were the neutral switch, I don't think it would click. Could be the slave or starter solenoid. Check your grounds, and go to the "adults only" section and look for starter troubleshooting.

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

Also, one other thing I forgot to mention. While doing some troubleshooting just before screwing up the throttle I had disconnected the wires on the starter and gave them a good scrub to make sure the connections were clean. Does it make a difference which order the 3 or 4 wires that connect to the starter go back on?

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

Can someone tell me if this is in neutral?

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

That's a picture of your engine. Engines don't have neutral.

Also, one other thing I forgot to mention. While doing some troubleshooting just before screwing up the throttle I had disconnected the wires on the starter and gave them a good scrub to make sure the connections were clean. Does it make a difference which order the 3 or 4 wires that connect to the starter go back on?

Click to expand...

Of course it makes a difference :facepalm:

Post some pictures of your wires and where you plan on hooking them and we can sort it out for you.

Re: Mercruiser MCM 170 Problem

Sorry I should have been more clear. I was refering to the position of the shifter cable relative the throttle switch in front of the carborator. As for the connections to the starter / solenoid. There are 3 or 4 wires that are all secured to the same bolt (I believe to the solenoid)one of which is the power supply from the battery. I'll take a picture later tonight. Given that they are all secured to the same spot I didn't it made a difference.