Starting Trouble

[finseeker]

I have a 1985 Mercury 200 Black Max. Every once i a while I have trouble starting it. I turn the key and nothing. I pull start it once and then it will be fine for a long time. Any suggestions? I'm thinking solenoid, does that make sense?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Starting Trouble

It could be a variety of things. Bad connection, bad wire, bad ignition switch, etc. Rather than replace parts on a hunch, I suggest that you use a voltmenter/ohmeter to test the system when it is not working to see where the fault is. The below troubleshooting guide may be of help.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Starting Trouble

Yes it could be a solenoid, I would check the small yellow/red terminal to make sure the switches are alright or the starter may have a burned armature you can test that by just turning the Bendix about 1/2 turn and trying it again. It neither work try the solenoid.