65 HP Merc-ran well, now won't start

[blueskies401]

It has ran well the last 7 or 8 outings. It ran about 20 miles on Friday and then 50 miles on Saturday. Sunday morning when I tried to start it would crank but wouldn't start. I checked the fuel line--ok. I noticed that my depth finder shut off. I turned on the depth finder and it still wouldn't take off. I thought maybe the battery wasn't charged. I hooked up the charger and it had full battery. <br /><br />I pulled it onto the trailer (by hand) and took it home. I took the cover off and when I try to start I can see the starter pop up and engage the flywheel. The flywheel will turn about 4 to 5 teeth and then it locks up. The starter is staying up in the flywheel until I stop turning the key. <br /><br />Any suggestions? Keep in mind that I am not real mechanically inclined, but I am trying to learn.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[maldoro]

Re: 65 HP Merc-ran well, now won't start

I am not as skilled as most of the guys in this forum but I figured I give my two cents. I got burned by this a couple months ago. My starter gear didn't disengage and after several hours of fishing I wore down both my batteries causing me to be stranded on the water. I fixed it by lubing the gear and flywheel. I used Marine CDC(like WD40). Something I didn't do routinely in the past.