1996 Mercury

[ryjohn]

First of all hello to everyone!

I have somewhat recently picked up a 1996 Bass Tracker with a 60HP Mercury (pretty clean boat) and have just now had a chance to take it out. When I got it to the water the motor wouldnt start, wasnt even turning over. I checked all my fuses and everything was good, tried it again and still nothing. So I went to the fuse block and jiggled some wires around (also noticing there is some corrosion involved with it) and it goes to working and worked the entire trip. Well I come back and load the boat up, no problems. Get home and turn the key just to see if its still working....nothing again. So i checked everything again and nothing standing out, getting power to the motor i do know that, I checked it.

Anyone ever experienced this? Or know where to point mr too?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 1996 Mercury

You probably have some corrosion in one of the connections from the battery to the engine.

Take them all off, check them for swollen or weak spots, thoroughly clean the terminals and reattach.

 

[ryjohn]

Re: 1996 Mercury

You probably have some corrosion in one of the connections from the battery to the engine.

Take them all off, check them for swollen or weak spots, thoroughly clean the terminals and reattach.

from the battery to the engine seems to be ok, however i will hit it with a wire brush just to be sure.

could the problem lie within the fuse block? since there is some corrosion there. if i take a screwdriver and spark across at the motor it will attempt to fire off, but ill only hit it for a brief second to check the power. i get the beep when i turn the ignition on, just nothing when i twist the key to the next level to kick off the motor. im sure clean the terminals real well isnt going to hurt anything and maybe that will solve the problem.

thanks

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 1996 Mercury

The below guide should help you find the problem quickly. All you need is a multimeter (voltmeter/ohmmeter). Good luck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1996 Mercury

The fuse block on the boat has absolutely nothing to do with the engine starting system. Current flows from the battery to the starter solenoid, to the electrical harness between the engine and the ignition switch, back to the starter solenoid. Looking at battery cables is not a valid check. They need to be disconnected on both ends, made shiny clean, cable ends inspected for any sign of corrosion where the end is crimped to the cable, and if ok, tightly secured. A known good battery is essential. Beyond that, you will need some trouble shooting skills if the problem is other wiring.

 

[ryjohn]

Re: 1996 Mercury

thanks for the input.....

ill take another look at the cables asap and clean and see if that helps. if not i will take the test procedure above to troubleshoot

 

[ifixf18s]

Re: 1996 Mercury

Have a 96 bass tracker (panfish) as well. Had a simular problem. Cleaned the terminals on the starter solinoid, and the wire that goes under one of the starter mount bolts, fixed the problem. Also you might want to think about taking the battery to an auto parts store where they can test it, unless of course you know the batt is good.

 

[ryjohn]

Re: 1996 Mercury

Have a 96 bass tracker (panfish) as well. Had a simular problem. Cleaned the terminals on the starter solinoid, and the wire that goes under one of the starter mount bolts, fixed the problem. Also you might want to think about taking the battery to an auto parts store where they can test it, unless of course you know the batt is good.

i will also keep this in mind.....the battery should be ok, i know it will run the trolling motor and other accessories so im going to "assume" its good.

thanks for your feedback

 

[ryjohn]

Re: 1996 Mercury

back with an update.....

i have cleaned all battery cables and other connections and still nothing. i have not been able to locate my multimeter to perform any tests as of yet.

however, i can take a screwdriver and arch it across the solenoid and bam! i have the motor turning over....of course i wont leave it on there, but just long enough to tell it will turn over but still nothing when i turn the key to engage startup....

does this provide any other information that might ring a bell to someone? or do i need to still try to run the tests mentioned above?

thanks

 

[ryjohn]

Re: 1996 Mercury

i think i just found the culprit....

i think its my ignition switch. it wasnt working at first....then it did and quit again. if i jiggle the switch it kicked off again....so i think thats whats causing the problems.