90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

Bearcamp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 21, 2003
Messages
341
I have a 1981 Mercury 90hp and need a starter cause when I try to start it when cold it will keep kicking out before starting, it takes a while and have to hit it just right. Now when it warmed up I have no problem. Only when you have to crank it a bit. I need to know what years and hp wil work on my 1981 90hp. Or,,,,,,,,,,,,,is it possible to find just the bendix or starter drive? I've already pulled the sprind off under the drive gear and stretched it. Worked sometimes.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: 90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

Poor starter performance is often due to a weak battery or poor battery cables and connections. The starter needs to be supplied with enough current to spin fast enough to cause the bendix to rise. A weak battery will not allow that to happen. So before you spend money on high-dollar items, check the simple stuff first. First, clean the gunk out of the grooves in the starter shaft that the bendix rides up in. Disconnect the battery cables (both ends) and make them shiny-clean. Inspect the cables, especially the ends very carefully. Replace them if they are corroded. Bolt them back down securely. Next, make sure your battery is good. Just sticking a voltmeter on it is not a good test. Take it to any auto store and they will load test it for you (generally free) or use the battery out of your car/truck. If it still malfunctions, then it may be time to look at the starter.
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: 90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

When inspecting the cables look at the lugs very carefully. Especially where the end of the lug meets the insulation. If any sign of corrosion, replace the lug as they can corrode inside where you can't see it. Learned that one the hard way.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: 90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

Bear, Starters are designed to kick out as soon as the motor fires. You may be experiencing a cylinder fire, which correctly disengages the starter, but the motor didn't fire on enough cylinders to catch. It happens on my inline 6 sometimes. You might like to prime and choke the motor a bit more to minimize this.
 

Bearcamp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 21, 2003
Messages
341
Re: 90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

Good ideas,,,,,,,,,,,that's why I come here. I did all the connections checks etc. It'll crank sometimes for only about 5 seconds or so and kick out. I didn't take it apart and clean it, that's the next step then maybe change the plugs and check the gap to make sure that's right.
 

Bearcamp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 21, 2003
Messages
341
Re: 90HP, what all year starter will fit? Cold start prob.

Anyone know what years will fit mine? That's if I need.
 
Top