Sometimes turn key & nothing; sometimes starts

[stevejeri]

I have a '73 115hp inline 6 Merc. Sometimes I turn the key it turns over fine. Sometimes I turn the key and nothing, but if I tilt the motor all the way up and back down, it turns over. Would it be a wire grounding out sometimes or something more serious?
Thanks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Sometimes turn key & nothing sometims starts

Re: Sometimes turn key & nothing sometims starts

Either a bad or loose connection, ignition switch, starter solenoid or even possibly the starter. But from your description I would look for a loose or dirty connection.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Sometimes turn key & nothing; sometimes starts

Start with checking the quick disconnect plug. That is where the most flexing occurs

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Sometimes turn key & nothing; sometimes starts

The following thread contains a starter troubleshooting guide (about four posts down the list). It should help you find the problem. Since your problem is intermittant, the troubleshooting tests would only mean something while the motor won't turn and start.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=222594&highlight=starter

 

[1730V]

Re: Sometimes turn key & nothing; sometimes starts

Quick disconnect plug is a great place to start. Do a wiggle test. Have someone turn the key while you shake the plug.

Also remove and clean the negative battery connection on the engine block.