Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

[seabass62]

The subject says it all. When I hit the ignition, the start spins but won't engage with flywheel. It shoots up a little, but goes back down before engaging. Will I have to buy a new starter, or is there a way that I can fix the starter? Thanks.

 

[flips]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

Hi Jason<br />Check to see if pinion gear is sticking. If so spray with wd 40 and turn it byhand till it frees up.The old grease goes hard sometimes and stops it from moving. Dont forget to grease it later. Cheers..

 

[seabass62]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

I've tried this, and everything seems to be working freely, with no sticking. Any other ideas?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

It may not be the starter. The battery must deliver enough current to allow the starter to get up to the speed required to make the bendix move. That's obviously not happening. Try a different (known good) battery. Putting a charger on a bad battery proves nothing. If its bad or weak, charging won't help. If the battery swap doesn't help, make sure cable connections (both ends) are clean, corrosion free, and tight. If those checks are ok, then think about getting the starter checked and rebuilt (brushes) if necessary. Any auto-electric shop can do that for you.

 

[starfliteVT]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

I think that I have had the same problem with my starter recently. It seems to happen once in a while. I thought it was a loose ground...but now that I tightened that ground wire up, I am left without a clue. Could be in the ignition switch? I don't think it's the starter at all.<br />It only happens once in a while. let me know what you learn. Greg.<br />goodsir1322@yahool.com

 

[starfliteVT]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

One more thing. The batt gauge always showed a good level of juice. Even still, I jumped the battery - no difference.<br />The last thing I did was to jump from the battery right to the pos terminal on the starter. The starter turned over fine if I got a good connection. I also jumped to both sides of the solenoid and it turned over fine (one side I had to use the ignition switch to pass the juice of course) <br />*it's working now any ways. But... will I get stuck in the middle of the lake someday I wonder.

 

[heybaylor]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

time for a starter solenoid

 

[seabass62]

Re: Merc 130hp--Starter Won't Engage

Thanks Upinsmoke -- Turned out the ground was loose.