1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

[westman407]

I have a 1994 40hp mercury outboard. The last time I used it it ran great (about 3 months ago). Now I try to start it and it will not even try, I try to raise the tilt and it just makes a single click noise when I press up or down. I store the boat with the motor all the way down. My battery is 12.63volts and the 20 amp fuse on the engine is fine...All the other fuses look good. Any suggestions on what could be wrong? I appreciate any feedback, thanks

 

[Dave1027]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

Either a bad connection to the battery or the battery itself.

 

[westman407]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

Well it is a brand new battery testing at 12.63 volts. Also my bilge pumps and nav lights and aerator work. Someone mentioned to me it might be a solenoid but not real sure on that. I did make sure the cables to battery were sanded and clean.
Thank you for your reply... any other ideas?

 

[milehighboater]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

Sorry to say it but it really does sound like the battery lost a cell. The bilge pump and nav lights run a very low amperage. The two problems you are speaking of are the two highest users of power, motor starter and tilt/trim. Both electric motors run at a comperably higher amperage. It is possible for a battery to test at 12 volts but not have enough amps to turn a motor. Now if you insist there is nothing wrong with the battery I would check the negitive battery cable and all grounds. Either way the two motors are not able to pull they amps they need. Unfortunatly there is no easy way to determine a wiring problem it is all trace and test. When you do find a ground wire remove it, sand down the mating surfaces and reinstall the cable.

 

[westman407]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

thank you I guess I will try my trolling battery to see if that does it...if not I will let you all know.

Thank you guys for the replies they are helpful.




Thanks,

Steve

 

[westman407]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

well I tried my trolling battery also. It still just makes a single click noise. could it be a solenoid? I have no idea at this point I guess I will trace down the wires and see what I find...uuuuuggh

thanks
\
steve

 

[mrallen007]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

Regarding the battery, I'd call a local AutoZone or parts shop in your area. They usually do battery tests for free. Give them a shout and let them know you have a marine battery and what type it is (lead acid, absorbed glass, etc...). They'll be able to tell you if they can test it or not. If they can, it's worth running a simple battery test to ensure the battery is ok.

If the battery is ok, I'd invest in a manual (if you've not already). The SELOC manual I have has diagrams of the electrical system. I'd trace the power source from the battery through the electrical system. Ensure connections are clean and well connected. I'd trace this as much as possible through to the trim motor and starter system. Look for any components common to the starter and the trim motor and see if anything along the way looks suspect.

If you still suspect a starter, I'd look at replacing the cheaper parts first. There's no use buying a new starter if it's only a solenoid. I have a 1991 50 hp and a solenoid runs $23.90 plus shipping. A better first step than replacing a starter.

 

[westman407]

Re: 1994 Mercury 40 hp will not trim or start

Thanks I will do that. Does anyone know how I can manually raise my motor? I cannot even get to trim motor?