Starter Problem ?

[Dick Bacon]

I've got a 1988 Merc 70hp 3cyl that is hard to start when cold. My question is about the starter. When I turn the key, sometimes it will crank for a couple seconds and disengage by itself. Should't it stay engaged until I release the key ? I can't get it to crank for longer than maybe 20 seconds. Do I have a starter going bad ? Battery is brand new.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Sounds as tho the bendix gear is worn along with the bearing at that end of the starter. If they look worn a rebuild is inorder for the starter. There are several good rebuild shops near you, and not that expensive. Make sure to tell the to replace the bearing on the drive end along with the bendix gear.
Oldman570

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

any recomendations on a good shop

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Starter Problem ?

If even one cyl fires and turns the motor slightly faster than the starter, even for just a heartbeat, the flywheel will kick out the starter drive and the starter will not reengage. The 'inertia' engagement only works when the starter first 'snaps' to speed, literally screwing the drive up the threaded starter shaft.

If your motor is consistently kicking the starter drive out you may need to think about tuning up your motor. Start with inspecting the spark plugs, how do they look, clean of nasty crusty black? How long has it been since the carbs have been cleaned?

While on the subject of maintenance, how old is the water pump and impeller?

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I just cleaned the carbs and put in new plugs. Impeller was replaced by the local Mercury mechanic last summer. I don't have this problem once the motor is heated up. I fires up in a couple seconds. But when cold, it is difficult to start. It does look like the original starter though.

What is the proper procedure for starting this motor cold. Is there a certain sequence to push in the key and crank.

Still a little new with bigger outboards and boat did not come with any literature.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

While readind other posts, I've read to turn the key to run and push in for 8 seconds then turn to start. What is that accomplishing ?

 

[oldman570]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I always place the control on fast idel and push the key in when starting my cold motor. I will have to just push the key in again for a second when the motor starts to die until the motor warms and stays running. That motor are cold blooded and take awhile to get to where they will idel. The Yellow pages in the phone book list electric motor repair and suppliers near you. You can get a can of Power Tune at the local merc or johnson dealer and use it to help keep the carbs clean every now an then. Buy holding the key in it opens the enrichment valve and allows the fuel pump to pump extra gas into the crankcase. If you want to PM me I can give you a hand with it most anytime,as I am only 25 miles away from you.
Oldman570

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I've had issues starting my boat since the day I got it (last month). Once warmed up, it restarts easily, but starting cold is another issue. Always sounded like it wasn't getting much fuel. I replaced the fuel squeeze bulb just to be safe, and pushing in on the key didn't seem to do anything. I read in my repair book that I could operate the enrichment valve manually, so I tried it and it starts much easier. The valve wouldn't click with the key switch, so today I took it apart and found the problem. The ground wire had come un-done, and once it was reattached, the Merc fires up easily when cold. Until this fix, the starter would turn and turn just like your issue. If it caught for just a nanosecond, I'd have to let off the key and try again. If its not firing up quickly, look at your enrichment circuit.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I do get a click from mine.

I also just realized that I do not hear the beeper when key is turned on either.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Pushing in the key is the same as "choking" an engine that has separate choke plates in the carbs. New engines use an enrichener system where fuel is injected directly into the intake while cranking. There are two processes to starting a cold engine. Both are nearly identical so use which ever one works.

1) Squeeze primer bulb until firm. You don't need to do this every time. Just the first start of the day.
2) Raise fast idle lever about 1/3 up
3) Turn key to RUN
4) Push key in and count to 8 or 10 (NOTE: This does not work unless the primer bulb is pumped firm)
5) turn the key to START.
6) Lower fast idle lever to a slightly fast idle.
7) Be ready to push in the key momentarily (just bump it) if the engine tends to die off. Don't wait until it quits. You can tell when it begins to slow down.
8) When warmed up (1 - 2 minutes) lower the fast idle lever and go boating.

The alternate method for starting is do everything above except for step 3 and 4. Instead, just turn the key to START while holding the key IN. You will be accomplishing the same thing.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Thanks, I will try in the morning. Any idea how to test for the warning alarm module ?

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I grounded out the tan and blue wire . I got a beep. I guess that says the module is bad ?

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Got it out in the driveway on muffs today. Upon further investigation, I found a broken tab on the plastic spark advance arm. The arm does not ever move. It is in the full spark advance position all the time. I guess it would make it hard to start cold ?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Got it out in the driveway on muffs today. Upon further investigation, I found a broken tab on the plastic spark advance arm. The arm does not ever move. It is in the full spark advance position all the time. I guess it would make it hard to start cold ?

This needs to be repaired. Running with full advanced timing at lower engine speeds can do serious damage to your motor.

 

[buckarrow]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Gents - I have the same issue as originally described. My bendex will disengage after one turn of the flywheel (i.e. the starter will not continually turn the flywheel to start the motor as the bendex will drop out after one turn). This cropped up last year and it eventually went away.....?? This year, I noticed it again, but it has not gone away. I am going to try the battery charge trick to see if it has enough juice. I don't think this is it though. My battery is in tip top shape. I will also look at the plugs.

If anyone has any thoughts on whether this is as simple as just replacing the starter or if this might be an electrical issue (my guess). Is there a chance my stator is going or gone?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter Problem ?

Gents - I have the same issue as originally described. My bendex will disengage after one turn of the flywheel (i.e. the starter will not continually turn the flywheel to start the motor as the bendex will drop out after one turn). This cropped up last year and it eventually went away.....?? This year, I noticed it again, but it has not gone away. I am going to try the battery charge trick to see if it has enough juice. I don't think this is it though. My battery is in tip top shape. I will also look at the plugs.

If anyone has any thoughts on whether this is as simple as just replacing the starter or if this might be an electrical issue (my guess). Is there a chance my stator is going or gone?

Re-read this entire thread. The cause of the starter kicking out was described in detail. You need to learn how to start the motor as described here also.

 

[buckarrow]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I have owned this boat since 1995. I know this thing inside and out. I have rebuilt engine myself. It is not the way I start the boat.

 

[buckarrow]

Re: Starter Problem ?

I actually just read another thread where a gentlemen said that he grounded his boat directly to the starter and the bendex stayed engaged. This does seam like a ground issue. I just rebuilt my motor tilt switch on my throttle as it was acting up. Once I cleaned the copper, it was good as new. I need to go start taking apart all my connections and cleaning them . I will check back and keep everyone posed.