Merc Won't start

[gstanton]

Not to rub it in, but we were going to go out today (Florida) and each time I turned the key... nothing at the starter!<br /><br />5.0 Mercruiser, 1995 23' Sea Ray I/O. Batteries are good, oil pressure warning sounds normal, there is a VERY faint click under the engine cover each time I turn the key (not the starter turning over or "dead battery clicking"). Turned the key about 12 -14 times and then suddenly the starter turned, boat fires right up and away we go. Well, not very far because of a lack of confidence and only one paddle. Sat for the day and got ready to come back... fired right up!<br />Starter Solonoid? Switch in the throttle? Ignition switch? Suggestions?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Merc Won't start

Corroded battery terminals/cables/connections....I would take em apart & clean 'em all....I'll bet you find an ugly connection somewhere .....JK

 

[gstanton]

Re: Merc Won't start

OK, I'll try that, but wouldn't the oil pressure alarm act sluggish also?<br /><br />I haven't done the terminal thing for about a year now.<br />Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Merc Won't start

or a damaged or skint battery cable. 1 small nick in a cable lets moisture in and you never know it has corrided in half. i've had 2.

 

[Rock Hall]

Re: Merc Won't start

low current devices will work fine. the high current draw of the starter wont. Baking soda and water works well for cleaning the corrosion.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merc Won't start

What about the "slave solenoid"?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Merc Won't start

you can jump the slave solenoid. if it turns over replace it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc Won't start

Go to the link below, and you will be able to find what the problem is without guessing.<br /><br /> http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012808

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Merc Won't start

My vote would be the slave solenoid. You can guess and throw parts at it, or follow Don's troubleshooting guide and find the problem.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc Won't start

Ayuh,.......<br /><br />My vote will go to JK,........<br /><br />I'm Betting there'll be a Corroded Wire end,.....<br />Or,.. A Bad Wire...<br /><br />BTW,.......<br />Don't Forget ALL the Ground Wires.......<br />They're Often Forgotten,... But,.. They're Just as Important as the Power Feeds.......<br /><br />And,... Looks can be decieving,... Take them Appart,+ Sand them Shiny CLEAN.........

 

[gstanton]

Re: Merc Won't start

Oh Boy! Thanks Don S!!! I should be able to find the problem with that description, if not, then it's time to take it somewhere.<br />Now I'm suspecting a bad connection somewhere, because it's so errratic. But I'll follow your steps!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[paulrfrancisco]

Re: Merc Won't start

Have someone turn the key when its happening and you listen under the engine cover... Sometimes you'll hear a sizzle from where the bad connection is...<br /><br />Also do not get the baking soda and water solution inside the battery, you'll neutralize the acid within...

 

[tystick]

Re: Merc Won't start

I also had the similar symptoms. It turned out to be bad starter. After you check connections, i would suspect a starter on its way

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc Won't start

gstanton <br /> <br />Don't forget to read the third paragraph in that post (The one in bold print)<br /><br />Here it is incase you missed it.<br /><br />

I will start by assuming you have a good battery, clean tight connections with good battery cables of the proper size. If you have loose, corroded cables and connections the following tests are a waste of time.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Merc Won't start

I've replaced many Merc slave solenoids. I always start there with a D.V.M. Your volt meter will tell you exactly where the problem is if you follow a logical troubleshooting guide or schematic.