Starter for Old Merc..

[MassDave]

My starter on my early sixties Mercury 50hp runs but does not engage the flywheel. I had it lubed and cleaned and just turns quicker but still doesn't engage. When I bypass the solenoid the starter does engage. Is it most likely the solenoid and if so where can I find one for that late model of a motor.

 

[carholme]

Re: Starter for Old Merc..

Dave;
I have a '68 500, so we are not far off. Do you have the s/n of your engine and I'll see if I can find you a solenoid.

Gerry

 

[carholme]

Re: Starter for Old Merc..

Dave;

Checked all of the early '60s thru '68 and they all use the p/n 32445A1 solenoid as seen here, item 17:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/395_18.cfm

Before buying, I would remove all of the connections and ensure that you have good wiring and very clean connections. The solenoid has probably been on there for years and corrosion is very hard on the wiring and connections.

Gerry

 

[Maxz695]

Re: Starter for Old Merc..

check the wire running from the solenoid to the starter. These sometimes become worn from overheting and corrode making a bad connection

 

[MassDave]

Re: Starter for Old Merc..

Will check tomorrow and thanks for all the help

 

[MassDave]

Re: Starter for Old Merc..

Got to do some work today. I took the starter apart and cleaned and lubed it. When I put it in nothing, then I found a wire that goes to the small front post on the positive side of the solenoid which was corroded. Once I repaired the wire that starter engaged fine. Now here is the new problem. The starter cranks a few times and then nothing like it is a dead battery. I am guessing the battery is bad since I charged it before being put away in October but not since then and then yesterday when I charged it it took 9 hours.
Also on the lowerend unit do I use lower end oil or do I need to use the old grease that went in some of the earlier models?