1968 Merc 125hp won't start, help!

[lilboatsman]

My new project, a 1968 mercury 125 hp won't budge. Starter solonoid won't even click so I purchased a new one and nothing. My battery is full and I'm getting 12.65 volts to the battery side of the solonoid. And when I run a test light to either of the small posts on the solonoid, the test light lights. What am I missing? There must not be power getting to something. Help!

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1968 Merc 125hp won't start, help!

For the solenoid to operate, one of the small screws has to be 12 v, and the other ground.

one side goes to the yellow wire in the engine harness, to the key switch. The other goes to ground through the cowl frame ground wire in the harness.

That ground is bad.

Other circuits ground through the same wire. don't just hotwire the solenoid, troubleshoot the wiring.

hope it helps
John

 

[lilboatsman]

Re: 1968 Merc 125hp won't start, help!

Definitely, I'll check it out, thanks!