40HP Merc Starts Sometimes (Can't Trust it)

[Tim1993]

2001 40 HP Mercury (bought a couple weeks ago) motor looks like new. First 5 times out it started and ran like a champ. Next time out when I hit the switch to start nothing happened. Checked all connections, even changed to new battery still nothing. Brought it home, hooked to head phones and started perfect about 5 times. Took it back to water and nothing, eventually it started but turned over slow at first. Then it started really fast and good, then nothing again, sometimes I get a click sometimes nothing. Have read somethings about testing solinoid and starters but still a little unclear about it. Any help is appreciated!!

 

[Don S]

Re: 40HP Merc Starts Sometimes (Can't Trust it)

Check your battery connections. While marine batteries come with wing nuts throw them away and use real nuts and a wrench to tighten them. Make sure the connections are clean and tight on both the positive and negative terminals and I think you might cure the problems of all three threads you have going.

 

[Tim1993]

Re: 40HP Merc Starts Sometimes (Can't Trust it)

Have been really busy and just got back to working on the boat. I have bought 2 new batteries, cleaned and tightened every connection and it was starting great with the muffs on. I took it to the water and it started great about 5 different times (assumed it was fixed) then the next time that I tried to start nothing would happen but a click. I had to jump around the soleniod and it started perfectly. Brought it home, hooked to muffs and still nothing, but every time I jump around the soleniod it starts perfect. Sometimes it will start with the key and sometimes nothing. My assumption is that the soleniod needs replaced. Does this sound correct?

Thanks

 

[ragu]

Re: 40HP Merc Starts Sometimes (Can't Trust it)

Bingo !

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 40HP Merc Starts Sometimes (Can't Trust it)

double bingo