1986 170 mercruiser starter problem please help!

[Bonanza79]

I replaced my starter solenoid today because it was cracked and not working properly buy would sometines work. After pulling the old one and getting a new one I made the stupid mistake of forgetting which wires went where. I have what look like three red whires connected to the big post and one yellow wire connected to the little post on the right. When I turn the key I get nothing. If I jump the red terminal post to the spot where i have the yellow wire with the key on it fires right up. Can someone help me I know I am missing something stupid. My family thanks you very much for any help we hope to go boating tomorrow. And I dont trust the old screw driver trick.

 

[ruggles]

Re: 1986 170 mercruiser starter problem please help!

there should be a ground wire attached to a third post on the solenoid. Sounds like you just have the constant power and ignition switched power wires connected.

 

[Bonanza79]

Re: 1986 170 mercruiser starter problem please help!

thank you

 

[zbishka]

Re: 1986 170 mercruiser starter problem please help!

I replaced my starter solenoid today because it was cracked and not working properly buy would sometines work. After pulling the old one and getting a new one I made the stupid mistake of forgetting which wires went where. I have what look like three red whires connected to the big post and one yellow wire connected to the little post on the right. When I turn the key I get nothing. If I jump the red terminal post to the spot where i have the yellow wire with the key on it fires right up. Can someone help me I know I am missing something stupid. My family thanks you very much for any help we hope to go boating tomorrow. And I dont trust the old screw driver trick.

Is the solenoid the one just above the starter? I ask cause I may have the same problem. It looks like a spray paint can about 6 - 8" long and is located above the starter.It would clck but won't turn over. When I tightened the nuts on the solenoid I noticed the red plastic (housing the bolts) was cracked. After snugging up the nuts I turned the key and again nothing but a click. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[searay3]

Re: 1986 170 mercruiser starter problem please help!

There is a sticky at the top of the forum to troubleshoot your starting system. It's very straight forward. There are normally 2 solenoids that feed the starter. One up high in the engine bay and of course the one at the starter. The wires on the starter depend on the ign. I'm betting you have Thunderbolt 4. The wire that comes from the key for starting hooks to the S terminal. The other red wires go to the big lug. You can tell as the ring connectors only fit one way. Since you have electronic ignition, the r terminal is not used. Do the troube shooting guide and you will find your problem...