1996 Mercury ELPT sporadic crank issue

[Sonicsunspot]

- 1996 Mercury Tracker 40HP ELPTO
- Checked and good batteries
- Connections all look good
- I replaced the ignition switch
* about 95% of the time, when I try to start, I can hear a click but the motor does not turn over. I keep trying and magically, eventually it cranks on maybe the 10th or 20th try. I assume it’s the starter which is the original “1997” vintage. Anything else I should try before replacing the starter?

 

[Rich1950]

I never trust a connection by its looks. While it does sound like the starter....sounds same in car with dead battery...I would disconnect all battery cables and check them really well and if you are using the posts vs screws wire brush them. All that would take 15 mins or so and maybe save you a new starter.....the other possible culprit.

 

[Sonicsunspot]

Agreed... Weird part is it DOES eventually crank. Voltmeter shows 16+ on both of my batteries. But probably a good thing to check connections again like you said.

 

[HotTommy]

You may get better, quicker answers on the Mercury forum here on iboats. BTW, when I had to replace the starter on my old Merc O/B I found it at the local auto parts store.

 

[ahicks]

I would suspect the starter relay myself, but posting the question on the Mercury forum probably a good plan.

 

[Sonicsunspot]

Thanks all!