Intro and question

[Oldsrip]

Hi all,
I’m Joe from Western NY near Lake Chautauqua. (Which is where I would like to be right now)
I recently picked up a 14’ boat with a 74 Merc model 200, 20 hp.
I have had it out 2x with no issues. Today it won’t start. Tracing power I find a strange problem. I get a buzzing from the solenoid when the key is turned. No power is jumping the solenoid. The ign trigger wire is hot. Here is the strange part. If I disconnect the hot wire to the starter I get power across the solenoid to the end of the wire that would connect to the starter. If I hook it to the starter the buzzing returns and no power across the solenoid. If I remove the starter and bench test it it works fine. Hook it back up, just get the buzzing.

my Question is, does a 74 merc have some kind of interlock safety that I am missing? As basic as the wiring to the starter I, I can’t see any.

any thoughts or suggestions?

anyone else fish Chautauqua Lake?

thanks, Joe

 

[Scott Danforth]

The controls may have a neutral safety switch

With a new to you boat, I would replace the raw water pump, do a lower unit fuel change, and go thru all the wire connections

 

[jimmbo]

The controls may have a neutral safety switch

With a new to you boat, I would replace the raw water pump, do a lower unit fuel change, and go thru all the wire connections

What kind of Fuel does the Lower Unit use?

 

[Oldsrip]

The controls may have a neutral safety switch

With a new to you boat, I would replace the raw water pump, do a lower unit fuel change, and go thru all the wire connections

Hi, i agree on the suggestions, collecting parts now.
I have gone thru the gears while testing this. No changes and I know from when I was out that it would start in gear.

We did more testing after dinner. The starter seems to have a direct short, it caused a major voltage drop when engage. It looks like a new unit. I’m think it’s a cheap knockoff.

Is the neutral safety switch like a cars where it prevents any starter engagement?
Mine attempts to start, but seems starter has a large draw.

Where do you guys suggest getting parts from for these old Mercs?
thanks,
Joe

 

[Faztbullet]

That starter has been NLA for a long time and no aftermarkets

 

[Oldsrip]

That starter has been NLA for a long time and no aftermarkets

That’s interesting. I was told it was replaced and the label sure looks new and no Merc markings. I’ll go look again and see if I can get you a pic.
thanks, Joe

is there a rebuilder?

 

[airshot]

Check around and see if you have any rebuilders in your area, if not, start checking the internet. Even rebuilders for auto starters should be able to handle it.

 

[garbageguy]

+1 on Mr. D's suggestions (I think he meant gear oil, not fuel) - going thru and cleaning up all electrical connections is good to do for many reasons, plus you get familiar with your machine

 

[Oldsrip]

I see that pictures can’t be loaded. But the only marking on the starter is a label that says don’t hit hard with a hammer. Nothing else.
is that how a factory starter is marked? I’m new to Merc parts.

thanks, Joe

 

[Oldsrip]

Check around and see if you have any rebuilders in your area, if not, start checking the internet. Even rebuilders for auto starters should be able to handle it.

I will check around. The ones I used closed a couple years ago.

thanks

 

[Oldsrip]

+1 on Mr. D's suggestions (I think he meant gear oil, not fuel) - going thru and cleaning up all electrical connections is good to do for many reasons, plus you get familiar with your machine

Yes, I knew what he meant and have the oil and gasket on my bench. I cleaned a bunch of connections yesterday. Will do more next time I’m out there. thanks

 

[Faztbullet]

If it has label not to hit with hammer thats a magnet frame stater. Either its NOT a 1974 or someone has bubba rigged.

 

[Oldsrip]

If it has label not to hit with hammer thats a magnet frame stater. Either its NOT a 1974 or someone has bubba rigged.

hi, I was told 74? The serial # is 4957110 if that helps.
as far as the installation goes, it’s clean, nothing looks rigged to me. Unless they took the factory mounting cap and stuck it on another starter body? But if they did something they did it clean.
I’ll see if I can post a pic somewhere.

thanks, Joe

 

[Oldsrip]

If it has label not to hit with hammer thats a magnet frame stater. Either it’s NOT a 1974 or someone has bubba rigged.

Fwiw, I just spent some time trying to decode my vin. But not having much luck. I see the newer models have a sticker with much more info on the right side transom plate.
my tag is on the port side transom and is just 4957110.

 

[Oldsrip]

If it has label not to hit with hammer thats a magnet frame stater. Either its NOT a 1974 or someone has bubba rigged.

I just posted a wanted ad on Craigslist as a way to put a pic up, and who knows maybe someone will have one sitting around.
All help is very appreciated.

https://chautauqua.craigslist.org/wan/d/kennedy-mercury-model-hp/7780689280.html

Thanks, Joe

 

[merc850]

Serial numbers 4819249 thru 5183392 are 1978 models

 

[Oldsrip]

Serial numbers 4819249 thru 5183392 are 1978 models

Thank you for that Info.

 

[Faztbullet]

Looks Bubba rigged with OEM bracket as original starter was a field/frame style motor

 

[Oldsrip]

Looks Bubba rigged with OEM bracket as original starter was a field/frame style motor

Wow, any suggestions on what to do next?

I’m going to go thru all the wiring again to make sure It is the starter causing the draw.
I’ve never heard of the magnetic frame starter before. I’m a old car guy, but little experience with boat engines.

is there a place to find old engine manuals online?

thanks,
Joe

 

[Oldsrip]

Good news, bad news. The good is that it’s not the starter.
the bad is that I found the hot wire to the solenoid had a bare spot where it was arching to the engine when it was under load of the starter operating. The difficult part of figuring it out was that when I disconnected the starter and tested the wiring to and out of the solenoid it was fine with a test light and a dvom . As soon as I hooked the starter backup the load caused it to arch to the engine and short out. Have to love electrical problems.
the bad news is that I found many wires with the insulation toasted. They had it all wrapped nice so I couldn’t see it without pulling it off.
I have been repairing wires this afternoon.
it really needs a new harness. Anyone have one?

I thank everyone who offered advise!

joe