Mercury starter didn't want to engage.

[sutor623]

Fellas, most of you have probably heard this question a million and one times. I was out on the water the other day, and everything was working fine for once:redface: So, went to crank the motor over about 5 or 6 miles from the dock, and starter just spun and did not engage. I changed over to a fresh battery and same thing. All connectors are clean brite and tite. I gave the starter a little love tap and SCHABAM!! we were back in order. Started up fine 3 or 4 more times throughout the day, yet I still had to slap her one more time before the trip was done. It seems as when the motor was warmer the starter did not have an issue engaging.

So the main question is, when the solenoids go on these motor, is it a slow process, or does it just die out all of the sudden. Next, is there any maintenance that I can do on the starter to get a few more years out of her that will make the splines engage a little sooner? I have no problem buying a new starter, but don't want to waste money either. I think when these motors fail they just stop spinning altogther, is this correct?

 

[sutor623]

Re: Mercury starter didn't want to engage.

Yeah nevermind should have never posted this. I am going to pull the starter and take it to advanced auto to remove the guesswork. It should engage at around 130amps correct?

 

[bobkyle2]

Re: Mercury starter didn't want to engage.

I had a solenoid go bad last summer.. And did this... I additionally thought it was the battery because the starter was spinning really slow... But while diagnosing it on the water i jumped it across the solenoid and it fired right up. I changed out the starter and solenoid. And never had another problem.

I had the starter tested later and they said it tested normally.So i saved it.

Good luck

BTW.. My manual does state to lube the mechanism on the start, recall what lube they said to use.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Mercury starter didn't want to engage.

Yeah I think I am going to just change out the starter and solenoid. Definately dont want to have trusting company out on the water with me when the starter decides to give out.