Motor Won't Turn Over!

[bryanredfish]

Man was I steamed this morning (still am). Drive for 1 1/2 hours to my favorite spot, and when I got there, it wouldn't turn over. This is a 2003 Merc 90 2 stroke that has been pretty much flawless to this point. It was acting as if the shifter was malfunctioning and not reading in neutral. The kill switch is fine, the ignition switch is good, battery is new and strong, no short. I DO get a click in the engine when I try to crank it, as well as when I hit the choke. This leads me to believe that the problem could be a solenoid of some kind, or the leads in the shifter. Any thoughts? I figured I blew a total of $100 in bait, gas, launch, etc, and am a tad bit pi$%ed off right now.

 

[Joey O]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

This might sound stupid , but are you absolutely sure your battery is not dead. If it was your neutral detent you would not have any noise from your solenoid.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

It doesn't sound stupid. I'm trying everything. I put the voltmeter on -- reads perfect. EVERYTHING works (tilt trim, all electronics, etc.), EXCEPT it won't turn over. There's nothing frozen, as the starter won't even try to engage. Like I said, it's just as if the kill switch has been engaged, or the lock detent is in place. If you say I should NOT have in solenoid noise, then I don't know what the problem is. I'm open for any suggestions.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

Strait voltage readings really don't tell you the state of the battery.. Load test it.. <br />When you run the trim, does it sound like it always has, or is a little slower?<br /><br />Are you battery connections clean and tight? A loose battery connection can cause voltage spikes that can kill a voltage regulator.. <br /><br />Loose or dirty connections can also cause increased resistance, and limit the ability of the battery to deliver proper amperage.<br /><br />Scott..

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

When you turn the key...is there a click back on the solenoid?<br /><br />When you turn the key..is there 12 volts to one of the small posts on the solenoid?<br /><br />If the solenoid clicks...try jumping directly to the starter...if the starter turns over...replace the solenoid. If the starter does not turn over...replace the starter.<br /><br />If you have No voltage to the solenoid..it's either the neutral lockout or the ign switch.<br /><br />TMD

 

[shakerms]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

I was going to say the same thing as the DR. did, LOL.......Good call DR.<br /><br /> When you turn the key...is there a click back on the solenoid?<br /><br />When you turn the key..is there 12 volts to one of the small posts on the solenoid?<br /><br />If the solenoid clicks...try jumping directly to the starter...if the starter turns over...replace the solenoid. If the starter does not turn over...replace the starter.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

Don't take this as a know-all comment... but<br />I have a habit of running my motor on muffs prior to leaving..<br />This way I'm just about sure it's gonna start for me when I get there.<br />The reason for this, is I've seen so many boats that have just been launched, that have problems starting after the owner has driven there and paid the launch fee.<br />But, having said that.. It is a brand new motor, and you should be able to trust it.<br />As Skinsk said..<br />Are the battery connections clean, tight, and corrosion free ?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

Allthough I think it sounds like your solenoid is the cause since you are getting power to everything else.... But you should also check all the inline fuses around the motor. I'm not familiar with how many you may have but it's worth a check. But do jump from the solenoid to the starter and see if it turns over.. Make sure you have the proper voltage from the battery first.. Fully charged you should have at LEAST 12.5 volts minimum....

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Motor Won't Turn Over!

Thanks for all the input guys. The motor is in the shop as we speak. There was a click at the motor (solonoid) on both the start switch, choke and the kill switch (turned kill switch OFF to check). I didn't get so far as testing the voltage at the motor. I suppose a fuse check would've been a good idea. I'm a teacher, and was getting tired of working on this before and after school, so in the shop she goes!! I was going to school pretty steamed -- not good for America's youth. I'll let you know what I find out. Sounds pretty simple.