15hp Merc electric start doesn't turn over

[rebars1]

1994 15hp Merury 2 stroke longshaft, tiller controlled, with push button electric start. This came as a kicker motor on another boat. The engine runs with the pull start rope, but the push button starter does not turn the engine over. When I push the button, I get a clicking/chatter sound at the solinoid, then it stops altogether. When I jump the wires, the starter works fine. I am getting 12.4v across the button, and 12.4v at the solinoid. I have replaced the solinoid, but still get the same click/chatter sound. I have the "run" switch on.

I am stumped. Any ideas?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 15hp Merc electric start doesn't turn over

The following FAQ might be of help.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158071

Also, the attached starter troubleshooting guide for a Mercury 150hp may also help. The wiring setup would be somewhat different on your motor but most of the troubleshooting tests and systematic approach would still apply.

 

[rebars1]

Re: 15hp Merc electric start doesn't turn over

Thank You, hkeiner. I'll start picking away at it. I thought I woud be home free by replacing the solinoid....

I looking at the diagragm, it looks like the large yellow and red wires are switched in position on the solinoid.

 

[rebars1]

Re: 15hp Merc electric start doesn't turn over

Problem solved! Following the test procedure I discovered that the nuetral saftey switch was not fully engaging. After fixing that, the starter would spin but not engage the flywheel. The starter worked fine when jumped directly to the battery, so the voltage/amp drop was happening in the positive cable between the battery and the solinoid. Turns out the guy before me had spliced the wire to extend it, but the splice was loose and corroded. A new solid splice did the trick.

Thanks for the help.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 15hp Merc electric start doesn't turn over

Glad to hear that the information I provided was helpful.