Starting problem

tipitina

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 15, 2004
Messages
133
I just bought my first boat!!! <br />1976 Mel Hart with 1976 150HP Mercury blueband.<br /><br />First time on the lake.... It tried to stall out when I put it from slightly past idle to full throttle. No other problems.<br /><br />Second time on the lake no sign of that problem!!<br />Started right up straight off the trailer. Once I made it to the other side of the lake, after about five or six start and stops, it would not start at all. The key was moved to the console from the throttle and the choke is built into the key I was told. I could hear the choke working but the boat wouldn't crank at all (none of the whining like the starter was dead in a car). After about an hour of sitting on the bank, we decided to start trying to troll our way back. Then it just cranked right up. We got back close to the dock, and decided to fish close coves. Started right up, ran like a champ for another five or six starts. Then running back, dropped buddy off to get truck, went back to buoys, killed the engine and waited. Tried to start it again, and same thing, I could hear the choke going but no cranking sound came. Trolled the boat in and onto the trailer.<br /><br />ANY IDEAS would be greatly appreciated. This is my first boat, so I'm trying not to get to discouraged. <br /><br />Also, sorry for the long post, but should I and how would I get the transom reinforced???<br /><br />Thanks again!!!!!
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Starting problem

Howdy, Tipitina.<br /><br />You need to remove, clean and reinstall all connections in the battery-to-starter-to-block-to-battery circuit.<br /><br />Give special attention to where the battery ground cable connects to the engine block.<br /><br />Let us know what you find., and good luck. :)
 

tipitina

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 15, 2004
Messages
133
Re: Starting problem

sorry for seeming slow...but could you explain what the starter looks like...lol<br />i know im an idiot!!1<br /><br />thanks again
 

kenneymc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 27, 2004
Messages
41
Re: Starting problem

What is the condition of your batteries too? I bought my first boat few weeks ago to find all 4 batteries to be bad that the guy gave me with it. I took them and had them tested at Wally World for free. I thought they were good, but they stranded me as well. So would be a good idea if you dont know to get them tested and be sure.<br /><br />If your motor is close to mine (76 115hp) then it is on the front starboard side of the motor. It is round. The top gear on it pops up when you try to start it and engages the flywheel and turns the motor over. Check all wires on it (2 of them) and where they go to like solenoid, ground ... Also check the solenoid connections. Make sure they are tight and clean.
 

kenneymc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 27, 2004
Messages
41
Re: Starting problem

oh yeah, get a manual....it can be invaluable although sometimes vague. But they have good wiring diagrams and instructions for most everything.
 

tipitina

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 15, 2004
Messages
133
Re: Starting problem

Thanks alot, another question...if I just wanted to rewire everything, what kind of wire should I use?? Is regular wire from WallyWorld okay??? And another question, my buddy used to have a similiar motor. It died a couple times and I think I remember him crossing something with a screwdriver to get it started. Sound familiar to anyone?? <br /><br />My battery is about 3 1/2 years old. This could be the problem??? I charged it oovernight before we went out.<br /><br />It just seemed to me something was over heating or something. I'll try all advice tomorrow. Thanks so much I am a total newbie to boats!!
 

tipitina

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 15, 2004
Messages
133
Re: Starting problem

The wire from the starter to the engine ground?? seemed to be VERY rusted and corroded. So far after cleaning that up, all seems well. Thanks for your help!! If I was to rewire however, what is the best wire to use? Thanks again for all of your help!!
 
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