Bought first boat last week: starter stays spinning after disengaging on start up

[briaineo]

Hi all

New to the forum and boating......

Have a question regarding the starter motor on a outboard: Mercury 402 (year 1974);

starter stays spinning after disengaging on start up is this correct

thanks

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Bought first boat last week: starter stays spinning after disengaging on start up

We had this same problem a few days ago on the forum. No it isn't correct. Taking the red wire at the starter, back up till you come to a junction. That is the starting solenoid (switch). The big red wire on the other side goes to the battery +. The little terminals make it work. When you go to the start position on your control, one of these little terminals gets 12v from the switch. The solenoid closes and sends power through the switch to the starter. When the engine starts and you let off the switch the solenoid is supposed to open up and remove the battery voltage from the starter.

When it doesn't it means that the contacts in the solenoid have welded shut.....sign of old age. Get another.

Mark

 

[briaineo]

Re: Bought first boat last week: starter stays spinning after disengaging on start up

Hi Mark

Thanks for the advice, from your reply it looks like there is a wiring issue, the motor is wired to a single switch that engages the starter and supplies continuous power. I presume I should have a push button for the starter and continuous power source aswell? There is a push button on the dash that is not connected to anything

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Bought first boat last week: starter stays spinning after disengaging on start up

Oh. You're saying that the solenoid is powered all the time? Ok if that's the problem, yes you just want a momentary on switch; pushbutton, or spring loaded toggle. The little control wires to the solenoid just need ground on one side and a momentary shot of 12v on the other. Nothing fancy required.

Mark