1995 50 HP 4 Stroke Mariner has starter problem

[cpo1]

1995 50 HP 4 Stroke Mariner has an intermittent starter issue. It seems that the starter does not always disengage. At least that is what we think it happening. The first time it happened, boat was towed in and marina service company said the starter was fried. A new starter was installed and off we went again. Same thing happened again. After turning the motor off, there was a constant hum in the motor which we assumed was the starter again. We disconnected the battery and after reconnecting it, the boat started.But while the motor is humming (with the motor off - battery still connected) the ignition switch is powerless. After reconnecting the battery, the ignition switch worked again. This time, we were told it was likely a bad ignition switch. The switch was replaced and off we went again. Same thing happened again. But this time, we could not get the motor in forward gear. After disconnecting the battery a couple of times, we were able to get the motor started, in gear, and it now sits at the dock, awaiting our further options. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Texasmark]

2 reasons for not disengaging and you solved one of them when your starter was replaced.....potential problem would have been binding Bendix (the gear that is thrown up the shaft when the starter spins) and lube could have fixed it, maybe. But that's history and we move on.

The other thing that can happen, especially on your engine with it's age is the starting solenoid, the device that connects between the red battery wire into the engine and the red wire of like size that goes on to the starter. The making and breaking current to operate the starter, causes arcing inside that control and over time arcing reduces the surface area of the contact area to the point where the 150 give or take amps required to start your engine welds the copper contacts together such that it makes no difference what the energizing circuit is doing, the switch stays closed and the starter spins.

That probably will fix it but even if it doesn't, it's time to change the solenoid.

 

[cpo1]

Thanks Texasmark. Just returned from vacation. Solenoid was replaced and......... for now....... everything seems to be working well. Thanks again for your reply. I appreciate it.