Merc 175 Starting problem

[joelpratt]

I have a 1998 Merc 175 Offshore outboard that up until last weekend was running and starting like a champ. I went to fire it up and the battery was dead. Threw the charger on it and tried to start it. It cranked over a time or two and then stopped. I noticed at that time that the voltage on the charger indicator was swinging wildly. I reset the charger and it evened back out. After letting it charge for a bit I tried starting it again and this time there was no response from the starter. When I hit the key there is a noticable dip in the voltage indicator but no click from the solenoid. I bought a new solenoid and installed it and that did not fix the issue.<br />Is there a fuse I am missing, should I be looking at the ignition switch?<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />Joel

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

I would check all the elctrical connections sounds like bad connection on the battery ..I know very obvious.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

It is not a good idea to charge with the battery still hooked up to the motor. Can harm the electrical components.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

I'm hoping that your rectifier was'nt fried in the process

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

Some engines have a 20 amp fuse in the feed (red) going to the switch. If that is good or you don't have one, try bypassing the solenpoid and see if your start turns.

 

[joelpratt]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

Thanks for all the replies everyone...<br />It ended up being the solenoid after all. I had just drained the battery down to the point where it wouldn't crank anymore. A few hours on the charger and we were in business.<br /><br />Thanks!!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

Originally posted by Quantumleap:<br /> It is not a good idea to charge with the battery still hooked up to the motor. Can harm the electrical components.

Not to start a rift, but how can charging the battery with it hooked to the engine harm anything if the ignition is off, (which it should be)? Ive done it for years with no ill effect. What would be the advantage of onboard chargers if you have to disconnect the battery everytime?<br /><br />(Allways willing to learn something new)!

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 175 Starting problem

I was under the assumption that joel was trying to start the motor whilst charging the battries.