25HP Electric Start

[Dodger1234]

This season I have had 4 times where I push the start button and the motor is dead. The battery is fully charged, it will start on the first pull of the pull start. So it cannot be the kill switch being faulty or the kill button on the handle because if they were an issue the pull start wouldn't work. My gut dealing is that it's the actual push button start that is faulty. Is there any way of testing this? What are the odds of the push button being faulty? Season is over so I have time to take a look.

Thanks for any comments!
Dodger1234

 

[joeanna]

it sounds like a "momentary switch". to test it, disconnect both wires on the switch and use an ohm meter (resistance) it should read a VERY low resistance every time its pushed. A test light will work but it won't tell if the contacts are high/low resistance. btw, if there is a relay from the switch that should be checked also.

 

[racerone]

Perhaps check the crank in nuetral only switch if so equipped.

 

[flyingscott]

What year is your motor and serial#. Check the main fuse on the motor first. First thing I would look at is the neutral safety switch if that looks good do these tests. Test for 12 volts on the small terminal of the solenoid that holds the starter switch wire with the starter button pushed in. If you have 12 volts there the switch is fine if not, double check the hot wire to the switch. Now check the other small terminal for 12 volts with the starter button pushed in if you have 12 volts there that is good,if not the solenoid is bad. If those tests are fine go to the neutral safety switch on the shifting mechanism and test the ground for 12 volts with the starter button pushed pushed in again. The motor must be in neutral and the switch must be lined up correctly for this test. If no voltage at the ground it is the neutral safety switch then you can double check that with a continuity test. Most of the time on those the neutral safety switch breaks and falls apart or comes out of adjustment. This information is for a 2 strk mercury built motor so need the serial # to be sure. Now both wires on the solenoid small terminals are the same color make so make sure you test the correct one first. MAKE SURE you keep your hands clear of the flywheel and pull the spark plugs out of the motor. Since you say nothing about a toggle kill switch only the tiller kill switch I will assume it's an early 80s model.

 

[Dodger1234]

Thanks for the info. I will have to dig up the serial number. It is a 2005 4 stroke and does have the toggle kill switch. Never thought about the neutral safety switch as it will alway start using the pull cord. The start button could be working all day then I use it and the motor is dead, then later all is fine. Now I'm thinking about the selonoid? I will also perform the above tests a little later this winter.

Thanks, Dodger1234.

 

[flyingscott]

Thanks for the info. I will have to dig up the serial number. It is a 2005 4 stroke and does have the toggle kill switch. Never thought about the neutral safety switch as it will alway start using the pull cord. The start button could be working all day then I use it and the motor is dead, then later all is fine. Now I'm thinking about the selonoid? I will also perform the above tests a little later this winter.

Thanks, Dodger1234.

The neutral safety switch controls the starter. Find a manual for yours the info I gave you is for a 2 strk some may work some won't especially if it's an EFI model.

 

[Dodger1234]

The neutral safety switch controls the starter. Find a manual for yours the info I gave you is for a 2 strk some may work some won't especially if it's an EFI model.

Thanks.