starter problem

[u156531]

I have 1975 mercury 650 4 cycl. When I turn the key to start it I just here a single click. I manually turned the starter and then turned the key and the starter spun but didn't engage. The next time I turned the key I just got a single click sound again. This scenario repeated. I've never worked on a boat motor so I'm not sure what these symptoms indicate. Does this sound like a bad starter or a starter selonoid or ??? I don't what to purchase a replace the starter only to find its someting else. Is there some other test to run to verify its the starter?

Thanks for your help

 

[hkeiner]

Re: starter problem

The below linked thread contains a starter troubleshooting guide for a V-150 Mercury outboard. While you have a different motor, the basic approach to troubleshooting starter problems would still apply to your motor. Even better, the Mercury shop manual for you particular motor will have a troubleshooting guide specific to your motor's wiring setup.

Using a multimeter to test for voltage, ground, and continuity (where there should be voltage, ground, and continutity) to solve this type of problem is usually less expensive and less frustrating than replacing suspect parts on a hunch and being wrong.


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=224094&highlight=starter

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: starter problem

Bypass the celonoid and see if the starter( direct jumper cable conection from battery) will work and be sure you have a good strong battery. If it doesnt work then you need to remove and inspect the starter. Sometimes a good cleaning of the inside contact points will fix it.You for sure dont wont to buy another one cause they run over 100 bucks and UP

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

Ahoy, first-time poster.

Welcome to iboats.

Do the starter circuit troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start" in the Engine FAQs. That will tell you where the trouble is.

I am betting on a corroded battery cable connection at the engine block.

Let us know what you find, and good luck.

 

[u156531]

Re: starter problem

OK, So I disconnected the positive and negative wires from the motor to the starter. Then I connected a couple of wires to the starter and when directly to the battery. I got no reaction from the starter and not even a spark when connecting it to the battery. I did check that the battery has a charge. As I mentioned before if I spin the starter by hand and then apply current it will spin once but not engage to the fly wheel. Does this indicate that the starter is gone or is there a chance that I just need to replace the brushes. If so is there a special tool to break those large screws holding in the brushes loose?

Thanks, Mark

 

[CraigC]

Re: starter problem

If it doesn't turn and you turn it by hand and THEN it turns, it's most likely the brushes. I've heard of people knocking on the side of starters and that getting making them work...which is also a sign of bad brushes normally.

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

Sounds like a sick starter to me.

 

[u156531]

Re: starter problem

Ok, So I can remove the bolts on the top of the starter but I can't get at the bolts under the starter. Is there a special tool for this or do I have to disassemble most of the motor just to get at these two bolts? I found a repair manual at the local library but it didn't really show how to remove the starter.