Hi there - I'm new to these forums, but they look like a pretty good resource. I have a 20 year old 75HP Merc outboard with a Quicksilver ignition. For several years now I have been having a sporadic problem with the starter. I will turn the key several times, trying to get the engine to start, and then suddenly ... nothing! Turning the key produces nothing - the starter motor doesn't engage at all. Normally, when you engage the ignition by turning the key halfway, it emits a loud beep to let you know it's in the start position. When this problem occurs, there is no beep at all, and yet all the gauges work as does the horn and lights. I used to think the battery had drained, and would recharge the battery, after which the problem seemed to go away for a while. But this weekend, I discovered that it has something to do with the choke mechanism. When you push the key in, the choke engages, and every once in a while, this seems to somehow short circuit the signal to the starter. The temporary solution is to rapidly press the choke several times, after which the ignition works again. Has anyone else experienced this problem, or know how to cure it? This problem seems to be getting worse this summer. Thanks
