Starter, or wiring?

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Purcell1

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2012
Messages
20
Hey guys,

So i have found this forum very helpful so far, so thank you!

I just bought a boat with a 75 (ish) Mercury 115hp inline 6. The "tower of power".

Im having problem starting the motor to test run it. My current marine battery is dead, so i used my pickup truck battery and ran jumper cables to my boat cables.
Whithout cranking, at the boat battery terminals, i have 13VDC.
At the starter solenoid i have 13VDC. When i go to crank the motor, the starter is energized, however it only BARELY spins the flywheel, pretty much how you would imagine a starter on a car with an almost dead battery. While the key is turned, and the starter is attempting to turn, i only have 5VDC (cranking).

So im wondering that is normal while cranking, and if not, should i be replacing my whole harness from the battery to the motor? I did notice the red wire (6 guage) to the starter solenoid was not in great shape, but not terrible.

Or is my starter just toasted?
 
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Maxz695

Guest
Re: Starter, or wiring?

I,m thinking starter but can you hook the jumpers strait to the starter pos and groung to see if it works ok?
 
P

Purcell1

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2012
Messages
20
Re: Starter, or wiring?

not sure why i didnt think of that! ok thanks alot, i'm update
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Starter, or wiring?

Bad battery cables are the likely cause.
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,561
Re: Starter, or wiring?

Percell, Silvertip was talking about your battery cables in your wiring harness. The ones that connect thru the quick disconnect plug. What shape are those in? Look for corrosion bumps under the insulation
 
K

kazek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 14, 2011
Messages
193
Re: Starter, or wiring?

hi.you got to make sure all connections are clean and free of patina.fully charged battery is a must.jumper the cables to starter directly like other post says and if the problem perssist,time to get dirty.if motor is left longer time without use starter gets rusted inside due to condensation,thus preventing it to work properly.a ngood clean inside is the key and brush change.unless u want to go with a new starter.how is your selenoid?does it make a clicking sound when you crank the engine?starters take short burst of high amps to turn that thing
 
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Maxz695

Guest
Re: Starter, or wiring?

Take it apart somtime it gets build up inside of it. It also may have broken magnets or bad windings. I have taken several semingly bad starters apart shot em with carb cleaner wiped em with rags removed all the particals sprayed em with PB Blaster (Lube) greesed the bottom of the shaft where the bearing is put em back together and they worked as good as new. I even did my van starter over a year ago still working strong. I,ll see if i can get you a link for one on ebay This is from a 60 HP check for compatibility http://www.ebay.com/itm/1025-8364a1..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a77d6bc68&vxp=mtr New $60 http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Starter..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3f0d44e0a1&vxp=mtr
 
K

kazek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 14, 2011
Messages
193
Re: Starter, or wiring?

taking starter off the engine will involve some swearing,be prepared for tight spoti.it is workable thou.eather way you decide to go,starter will have to come off and since u will have it in your hand undo 2x 3/8 nuts to relese bottom cover.dont pull on it too far..what u should have is brushes housing, armature and starter housing.with fine sand paper clean flat side of windings(thays where brushes make contact),wipe clean brush holding housing and do not loose the springs.if your bruches are less than 1/4 " time to replace them.give housing spray of a cleaner(NOT WD-40).i used mineral oil to coat non electrical parts.now to fun part....armature goes back into starter housing.grab a2x sheat ot tin carboard or loloi pop stics and place 1 on 2 of spring loaded brushes.press them down and secure with scotch tape.do same with remaining 2 brushes leaving space for a shaft.now marry starter and housing sliding carboard out.steady hands are handy and more swerring.u just got paid $ 100per hour.given that no wireing inside is coroded beond repair and you are done.nice motor you got there
 
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