175hp Mercury Starter Problems

[armyeric]

I am new to this forum and after searching the internet came to this site and you all seem to be knowledgable so I am hoping you can help me.

I have a 175hp Mercury I believe it is a 1989, I had it out this weekend and for some reason when I turn the key it clicks. I remove the cover and watch the starter, the pinion gear does engage with the flywheel but it doesnt seem to spin it fast enough its a very slow spin and after a couple times of spinning it just holds fast.

I wondering if I need a new starter, maybe its possible that its a connection issue, I took the pinion gear off and I'm not familar with these things so I don't know if there is something inside of that that could be bad. The battery was tested and had 12.5 volts so I don't believe its lack of battery power.

Any info you guys could give me on what to check or replace would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[verado7]

Re: 175hp Mercury Starter Problems

turn the flywheel by hand if it turns freely replace the starter .

 

[j_martin]

Re: 175hp Mercury Starter Problems

If you hold an ammeter (current indicator) against the starter power wire, I'd bet current is over 300 amps. Needs to be 150 or less. What happens is brush debris piles up in the bottom and shorts out the commutator. It has wedge shaped brushes against the flat bottom end of the armature.

hope it helps
John