Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

[kg8400]

I purchased a used 1990 Merc 60hp ELPTO that sat idle outside for 4 years or so. <br /><br />I have done the following maintenance since buying it recently: checked compression - good, changed gas, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel pump diaphram, removed oil injection system, changed waterpump, gear oil, checked spark plugs - good. Also had both carbs rebuilt by local dealer due to the symptoms of a stuck floats (gas pouring out of intakes).<br /><br />On my 1st outing since getting the carbs rebuilt motor was hard to start. Once started it ran for 10 minutes just fine and then shut off for no reason - just like someone turned the key off. I tried to restart with the key and the starter just kept on spinning and would not stop. Turning the key did nothing, pulling the lanyard kill switch did nothing. I ended up having to take the battery lead off to make it stop.<br /><br />I think I have a bad ignition switch.<br /><br />Any suggestion on where to start testing or what elese it might be ?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

KG - You could also have a rusty bendix gear on the starter. See if the starter drive gear will move up and down on the bendix. If so, it is likely a rusty solenoid or a stuck ignition switch. If the bendix is sticky or rusty, oil it up. Heavy grease is not a good idea, since it may cause the bendix gear to stick

 

[kg8400]

Re: Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

Chris1956, thanks for the reply.<br /><br />Originally before this problem, the starter drive gear WAS sticking (not spinning up all the way to mesh with the flywheel) so I attempted to clean and lube it wire brush and WD40, maybe it needs more lube. What oil do you recommend for the job.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

I would bet on a sticking starter solenoid. With everything off, using an OHM meter, put one lead on each of the big wires on the solenoid. You should not read any continuity.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

KG, Normally the bendix hardly gets any lubrication, so almost anything is good. I would use any standard motor oil you have handy, and if it fixes the problem. Watch it for a while to see if it needs more lube. I'm afraid that if you use thicker lube, it may gum up the works.

 

[Ben Konopacky]

Re: Starter won't stop / 1990 60hp ELPTO

kg; from what you say I do agree with you with a bad ign sw.stuck in the start pos.or fused contacts in the sol. do like ibn said but if you get a dead short reading the contacts are fused together ,if you get a open reading they are good, let us know the results..