Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

[imported_scott_m]

Hi all, new to the forum, and thanks already for the great info. I've owned a bunch of boats, mainly with big block inboards, so this whole outboard thing is a little new to me. I've got a 21 ft 1990 Sea Ray Laguna with a 1990 Merc 135 HP Blackmax V6 Outboard. I've got two different, seemingly unrelated problems.<br /><br />Problem one - starting. At totally random times, the boat will not crank. I did some diagnostics at the starter and solenoid and do not really remember the results, but here's what happens...turn key to start, no click, no crank. Also pushing in for choke does not matter. If I short the yellow/red stripe to yellow/black stripe, then turn key to start, does not crank. When I unshort these wires it will crank normally. BTW, motor usually fires right up with a little choke and runs fine cold. Just no crank. Sometimes this happens nearly every start, other times it will start 5-6 or more times in a row. Does not matter if motor is cold or warm. Ideas? Starter, Solenoid, Wiring, Ground, Key Switch, Neutral Safety, or Mercury tilt?<br /><br />Second problem - After extended running (we do a lot of off shore trolling), the motor will just shut down from between idle speed and maybe 1,200 RPM. It has only done this three times now. Does not seem to matter if it was after a long run, or extended troll, just shuts down and sounds like it is out of fuel. The primer bulb has gone soft, and will pump up again after 6-7 pumps (although it is not sucked in). Once I can get around problem one above it fires right up and runs fine. Does this sound like the bulb, or a fuel pump?<br /><br />Thanks all, I await your expert responses!<br /><br />FISH ON!

 

[achris]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

Problem 2 sounds like an air leak or fuel pump.<br /><br />Problem 1. When it happens, does the tacho go to zero, or just stay at where it last was? If it just stay put, then you have a 'power to the control box' problem. If it goes to zero then I would suspect the key or the wiring to the solenoid. <br /><br />BTW, don't short those 2 wire together. One (yellow/red) is 12 volt feed to the starter solenoid and the yellow/black is the 'kill' wire from the ignition packs.<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[imported_scott_m]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

OK, got to do some diagnostics tonight. Tach goes to zero when it is in a no crank mode. The key assy was replaced about a year ago. My multimeter is locked up in my storage unit, so was not able to check the yellow/red stripe wire to solenoid. I checked all the wires going to starter and solenoid and one was lose, not much corrosion, but cleaned it all up anyway. Finally used a screw driver and shorted from yellow/red stripe to batt positive and the starter hit, so I'm assuming solenoid? <br /><br />On the fuel problem, I'm going to start with a new fuel line and bulb. Thanks and certainly looking for more input.

 

[achris]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

Sounds good. Have you got a test light? I'd use that to check the thinner yellow/red going to the solenoid. If you have power there and still no crank, then yes it's the solenoid.<br /><br />The fuel line and bulb is a good/easy place to start. <br /><br />My philosophy with fault finding is to check/change the easy things first, then, if that didn't fix it, get into the harder stuff.<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[BillP]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

scott_m,<br />That is a great boat, I spent 100s of hrs trolling offshore in a 90 Laguna with a 175hp. The Lagunas rate among the highest in resale...bar none. <br /><br />Just a thought...motors shutting off like that are a sign of stator gone bad. It is common and a frequent happening with Mercs of that vintage. Merc replaced a bunch of these free (even when OUT of warranty) but never made it a recall that I'm aware of. A Merc pro wrench can be more specific but a bad stator will eventually shut down and not restart. Merc changed the stator colors on updated versions. I believe black was the problem stator and red the updated.

 

[imported_scott_m]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

achris and BillP,<br /><br />Thanks again for your help. I got the solenoid tonight and got it installed. Looks like the cranking problem is taken care of for now. Time will tell. <br /><br />Yeah, the Laguna is a really nice boat. Doesn't seem to be yor typical sea ray. Good lines and a pretty decent rough water ride. I bought this from a friend of mine and felt like I got a real good deal.<br /><br />On the stalling problem, I'm 99 percent sure it's fuel related. Once it's died, there is no pressure in the bulb. To me it would make sense that it's getting air in the system. I've got 8 feet of new fuel line and a bulb to install tomorrow (darn these short evenings).<br /><br />Also, think I've got the red stator...if it was a stator problem, wouldn't that indicate a charge problem?

 

[achris]

Re: Start and Fuel Problem - 2 issues??

Scott,<br /><br />The stator supplies power to the ignition system too. However, if it was the stator I would expect that it wouldn't start so easily after the stall. Same as what Bill sid.<br /><br />Chris..........