Starter problems

starman2

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2014
Messages
1
Hello everyone...... hope someone here can point me in the right direction.

I have a 2004 Merc 200 XL outboard. The starter motor spins, but will not engage the flywheel. Here is what I have done so far in an attempt to diagnose the problem: (By the way the boat had been running fine and this was the first ever issue with the engine):

Removed the starter and had it bench tested... spins up fine and pops up with only 2 amps applied. Even so, I replaced the starter with a new one with no difference in results.

Replaced the solenoid with a direct oem Merc replacement.

Cleaned and polished all connections.

Tried two different new batteries fresh off the charger.

All of these things have had no effect. I checked voltage at the battery terminal and it checks 12.75 volts. At the hot side of the solenoid, also 12.75 volts. On the starter side of the solenoid and at the positive connection of the starter Im only registering 7 volts.

I have no idea where to go from here......... hope someone can point me.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,421
Use a good pair of heavy duty booster cables and go directly to the block and starter as a test.----Perhaps the battery cables are badly corroded.
 
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