115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

[sirfishalot]

I recently bought a 1979 18' sylvan with a 115 hp mercury, same year. I took it out 3 times and it started fine, the fourth time it didn't so i checked it out and the starter gear isn't engaging it pops up and just spins. I charged the battery and still nothing. Any info would be greatly apreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: 115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

Howdy Sirfishalot.<br /><br />Try cleaning and lubing the starter shaft.<br /><br />You might also have too much resistance in the starter high current circuit. Clean and reattach all big cable connections, with special attention to the battery ground cable where it attaches to the engine block.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[sirfishalot]

Re: 115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

hey jb,<br />I sprayed it with wd-40 and it was a no go, so I cleaned all the conections turned the ignition, the solinoid clicked and stuff started smoking. the positive running to the starter was HOT and so was the negative running to the block, actually the I couldn't get the cable off the battery fast enough and the cable started to melt. every thing's hooked up the same, no wires are touching and I'm at a complete loss. do you know what could have happened

 

[JB]

Re: 115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

Sounds like a mechanical failure in the starter, or an accidental direct short around the starter.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[sirfishalot]

Re: 115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

jb,<br />thanks for your help. it turns out the solinoid shorted, I hooked a jumper from the positive on the battery and taped it to the positive on the starter and it spun so I knew it was the solinoid. so I turned the contact washer in the solinoid around and BINGIO. the starter engaged. <br /><br /> Thanks for your help

 

[12Footer]

Re: 115 merc starter isn't reaching flyweel

Shorted starter and solenoid.<br />What you experianced, is a starter drawing so much current, that the solenoid contacts welded-closed! Plan on rebuilding or replacing the starter, and replacing the solenoid. The solenoid is cheap, but the starter will set you back a couple fishing trips easy.