1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

[kzimmer81]

I have a 1986 90hp Mercury that won't turn over. I had it running fine about 2 months ago. The battery has plenty of power but when I turn the key to start I get nothing. Periodically I will hear a click or whine of some sort coming from the motor but it's pretty quiet and it doesn't occur every time I try to start it. Any suggestions? I recently replaced the "up" solenoid on the trim & tilt motor if you think this might have something to do with it.

 

[njrextreme]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

It sounds like your starter is not kicking the gear up to the flywheel. If you take the top and the cover off the motor, you can use the rope to try to start it. Just to make sure the motor is not locked up. If the motor turns over, check out the starter and wires going to it and to the batt. Could be a loose ground.

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

I did have the motor cover off and watched the starter while I had a friend turn the key. There's no movement whatsoever from the starter. Is it safe to assume that the starter is bad? I don't want to waste the money to order one if it's not the problem. I don't trust my local boat shop after a bad experience with them before.

 

[njrextreme]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

I wouldnt jump to thinking its bad just yet. It could be the solenoid. It could be a bad connection. Try arching the two poles over with a screw driver and see if it cranks.

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Arch the poles on the starter or the solenoid?

 

[njrextreme]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Arch the poles on the starter or the solenoid?

Solenoid, yes. I dont like to recommend this due to sparks and gas around the carbs. Keep your extinguisher near you if your going to try that. You can try to tap the starter a little but thats not that great of a idea either. You can try jumper cables directly on the starter if crossing the solenoid doesnt work. Best of luck
Nick

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Ok, so first I tried jumpers directly to the starter and it turned over fine. I then arched the solenoid and the starter spun but didn't raise up to turn it over. Does this mean I have a bad solenoid? Thanks for all the help.

 

[njrextreme]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Hard to say. If the starter is working w/ direct power, try to replace the cheap part, solenoid first. Hope it fixes the problem.
Nick

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

So I replaced the solenoid. Guess what....didn't work. I still got nothing. I checked it with a test light, I have power going to the solenoid but not going to the starter from there. What do I try next?

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Ok, so first I tried jumpers directly to the starter and it turned over fine. I then arched the solenoid and the starter spun but didn't raise up to turn it over. Does this mean I have a bad solenoid? Thanks for all the help.

When you jumped it, did you use the same battery you are using to try and start it or jump from a different power source?

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

I jumped it from the same battery, that's not the problem.

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

So when you jumped it, it engaged and turned the motor over?

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Yes, it turned over

 

[Rscardina]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

anytime your starter spins..it has a reverse thread screw type gizmo that pushes up on the cam that makes with the flywheel... if your starter doesnt turn fast enough to engage then it would appear your starter is having issues..HOWEVER...you did say you went right to it and it turned over fine..So what I am thinking is your losing voltage somewhere..

the solenoid is nothing more than an electric switch that switched power to the starter momentarily as you have the key turned..then you let off the key and the solenoid closes...its really basic.

If you changed the starting solenoid be sure your connections are tight. I would get a volt meter and while your buddy turns the key..be sure youare getting 12 volts to the red wire on the starter... if you get power at the starter and she is not working...replace starter..

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Then it seems like you problem has to be between the solenoid and the starter, OR a bad ground. Hope that helps, I know these OB's can get frustrating sometimes!

 

[kzimmer81]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

I'm getting no power to the starter. I've got no power from the solenoid.

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: 1986 90hp Motor won't turn over??

Well, I would think that would mean the solenoid is no good, but you said it's brand new??? Wow, I'm stumped like you then...