Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

[hempfarmer]

Hi there,

I have had the following problem and I now believe my starter is the issue but wanted to double check before I buy one.

Description of problem:
- The starter motor will cut out after 3 or 4 seconds. The engine is just about to fire but the starter cuts out around the same time.
- Brand new optimum marine blue top battery, fully charged.
- Starting motor looks to be original. (likely rebuilt at some point?)
- This problem has only occured later in the day. After lots of starting or stopping. (Ex. waterskiing)
- After 15 minutes of trying my luck with it I can usually get the motor fire and get home. It will always start up fine the next day. (the starter won't cut out early) And then it won't give me these same issues for a couple weekends! Odd eh?
- When I have this problem the starting motor won't cut out if I try to start with no throttle. If I give it some throttle this problem appears.

Based on all of this I was going to replace the starting motor. Do these symptoms seems to similar to those of starting motor on its last legs? Ex. Works fine for 2 weeks and then gives your trouble?!

Thanks for all of your input!

Russel

 

[asm_]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

but the starter cuts out around the same time.

Do you mean the starter gear disengaged? or do you mean the starter motor stop turning with the gear still engaged?

B

 

[hempfarmer]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

Do you mean the starter gear disengaged? or do you mean the starter motor stop turning with the gear still engaged?

B

I am not 100% sure, at this point I haven't taken the cover off when the problem arises. (usually in the middle of the lake trying to paddle away from rocks)

After I hear the starting motor cut out there is also a faint sound that might be the starter gear disengaging? I sometimes here the sound after it has started, especially when it is cold outside. I had assumed it was the starter gear disengaging... so if it is, yes this happens after it cuts out.

 

[njrextreme]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

It sounds like your motor pops off but does not start on the first click. After you sit, do you re prime the gas? Also, do you try to start it w/ a little throttle? The starter sounds fine, maybe you need a tune up.
NJREXTREME

 

[hempfarmer]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

It sounds like your motor pops off but does not start on the first click. After you sit, do you re prime the gas? Also, do you try to start it w/ a little throttle? The starter sounds fine, maybe you need a tune up.
NJREXTREME

Yes, gas is re-primed. We tried starting it with a little throttle too.

I am thinking it is the starter simply because it is cutting out. I have had this engine for 3 years and the starter would never cut out on it's own. It seems to make a "wirrrrrrr" sound after it does cut out.

Just recentely I have also turned to start it and would only here the choke click. 10 seconds later I'd try it again and the starter would engage with no issue. Just wondering if that is another sign that something is wrong with the starter.

All my cables/hoses were replaced 2 years ago when I restored the boat. My connections should be good, that is why I am wondering about this starting motor since it might be 30 years old.

 

[asm_]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

It seems to make a "wirrrrrrr" sound after it does cut out.

That's the sound of starter motor still turning after it is disengaged.

My guess is your starter is fine. I would agree with the other poster here. It does sound like your motor did start for a second, which cause the starter to disengage.

I have a 1982 115HP that does the same thing every time when the motor is either not tuned correctly, or timing is off.

B

 

[hempfarmer]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

That's the sound of starter motor still turning after it is disengaged.

My guess is your starter is fine. I would agree with the other poster here. It does sound like your motor did start for a second, which cause the starter to disengage.

I have a 1982 115HP that does the same thing every time when the motor is either not tuned correctly, or timing is off.

B

Hmmm... I am just puzzled because I'll have this problem and then I will go weeks with not a single issue. I am also a little paranoid that my starting motor is has taken a great deal of abuse in the last couple of years while a few family members figured out how to cold start the engine.

 

[hempfarmer]

Re: Starting Motor - 1980 Merc inline 115hp

Has anyone ever had to replace a starter? Is it typical that you have intermittent problems before the starting motor stops working completely?