Cranks but won't start

brian62

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 13, 2021
Messages
31
I have a 70hp Mercury motor. The starter will spin but not engage the flywheel.

I checked voltage at the battery and there is over 13 volts. When the ignition to start position I ckecked the voltage at the solenoid side to the starter there is over 12 volts. I have no idea now what to check. Can you advise me on my next step?
 

brian62

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 13, 2021
Messages
31
At first I did since the batteries face different directions but once I corrected that everything worked fine. The boat ran great for a week then nothing while I was on the water fishing. Battery initally went dead and would not charge. I am charging the batteies now and it is taking a charge.
 

brian62

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 13, 2021
Messages
31
I installed a new battery and the starter spins but does not engage.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,467
When you hooked the battery up backward, it instantly destroyed the Rectifier, which is likely the reason your battery isn't charging
Can you raise the Bendix with your fingers, no power of course? You will have to rotate it
 

brian62

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 13, 2021
Messages
31
When you hooked the battery up backward, it instantly destroyed the Rectifier, which is likely the reason your battery isn't charging
Can you raise the Bendix with your fingers, no power of course? You will have to rotate it
When I removed the starter and applied power directly to it, the bendix spun and ejected out.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,467
Sounds like a Current problem. Having a new fully charged Battery means nothing if enough power isn't getting the Starter. You need to insure that the Cables and Connections are good so that the Starter is getting enough current to spin fast enough to lift the Bendix. That also includes the Grounds
 
Top