Started will not engage

[shr2807]

I have a Mercury Classic 50. I believe it's a 1987 year. I haven't ran the boat for two season. When I turn the key to run, I can hear the solenoid, but when I turn the key to start, nothing happens. I replaced the started about 6 years ago, and it has seen very little use. I'm thinking it could be the solenoid, just not sure.

I tested the battery voltage and am getting over 12v out of it.

Any troubleshooting advice would be appreciated.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Started will not engage

the solenoid shouldn't kick in till the key is turned to start.

 

[shr2807]

Re: Started will not engage

the solenoid shouldn't kick in till the key is turned to start.

I must be mis-remembering what it was doing last night. More than likely that is when the solenoid activates, but nothing else happens. The starter never moves. Does that sound like an issue with the starter, or with the solenoid?

I considered pulling one of the solenoids off the trim and swapping them to see if that makes a difference, just didn't wan't to mess anything else up.

 

[carholme]

Re: Started will not engage

You said you tested the battery voltage which really means nothing unless you know what condition it is in. Has it been fully charged prior to starting?

Gerry

 

[shr2807]

Re: Started will not engage

You said you tested the battery voltage which really means nothing unless you know what condition it is in. Has it been fully charged prior to starting?

Gerry

Yes, fully charged and I checked it using a volt meter w. a resistor on it. It read somewhere around 12.2 volts.

 

[carholme]

Re: Started will not engage

And when you hear the solenoid click, do you have anyone measuring across the solenoid or at the starter to see how far voltage is travelling. Alternatively, have you tried to jump start it from the battery direct to the starter and ground?

Gerry

 

[shr2807]

Re: Started will not engage

And when you hear the solenoid click, do you have anyone measuring across the solenoid or at the starter to see how far voltage is travelling. Alternatively, have you tried to jump start it from the battery direct to the starter and ground?

Gerry

I have not tried to jump it. I have tried to check the solenoid with the volt meter and someone turning the key. The problem is, I don't know what I'm doing Would you have a procedure for me to be able to tell if the solenoid is allowing 12v to pass through when it's supposed to? Like which terminals to I need to have the volt meter on when the key is turned to tell if I'm getting the correct function? I just haven't been able to figure that out.

 

[carholme]

Re: Started will not engage

What is your engine s/n?

Gerry

 

[shr2807]

Re: Started will not engage

What is your engine s/n?

Gerry

I don't have it with me, I can get it when I get home from work.