Cranking problem

[Whataboutthis]

Ok this may sound a little stupid, but here it goes, I Jumped in the boat to go fishing with my father today. I couldnt get my 115 1984 merc to fire up... Turned the Ignition on and all i got was a clicking noise. Figured it was the starter bad. Bought a new battery and Starter, However after installing them both the starter doesnt act like it has enough power to turn the flywheel the flywheel only turns a couple of rotations before stopping all together. I used a test light on the top 2 terminals on the solenoid and found that the terminal from the solenoid to the starter doesnt light the test light, however my ???? is earlier when i cranked the engine over it had power comming from the solenoid to the starter but now it doesnt. Could the solenoid be the problem, not letting the starting have enough power to turn the Flywheel.... Im confused please help!!!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Cranking problem

Ditch the test light and use a meter and start measuring voltages at various places while you are trying to crank.

First place I would look is at all my battery conections including grounds. Second would be before and after solenoid.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Cranking problem

Check or charge the new battery. Just because it's new does not mean it is fully charged or good. Also check all your connections like bruce mentioned.

 

[JB]

Re: Cranking problem

Go to the Engine FAQs and do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start".

You most likely have a bad connection somewhere.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Cranking problem

Here is a classic example of throwing expensive parts at an engine in an attempt to solve what probably is an inexpensive problem. Always start with a more logical approach to the problem and check the cheap stuff first. Yes -- the solenoid may be the problem. It is a great big switch that must carry huge amounts of current demanded by the starter. Check and clean the battery cables (both ends). Make sure that new battery is fully charged. THEN test the solenoid using a voltmeter. Or jump from the battery directly to the starter using jumper cables. If the starter now spins, the solenoid or its wiring is bad.