HELP!!! ignition problem

slickerww

Recruit
Joined
Oct 18, 2003
Messages
4
i would appreciate any input some of my fellow boaters might have. i have twin 4.3 liter 220 mercruiser motors and the port motor won't start up. when the key is turned there is a steady humming noise. its not a clicking noise so i don't assume starter? i have tried troubleshooting it myself with the busy time of year and nobody being able to come work on the motor. i've checked the batteries, the battery terminals, connections to the celanoid (sp?), and have cleaned them all up thinking it might have been corrosion or so. none of that worked to this point. <br /><br />could it be something in the ignition wiring?<br />starter? celanoid? batteries? etc?<br /><br />i am really stuck here with the busy time of year and no one doing out calls for repairs in my area. i'm getting ready to pull it out for the winter, but i really don't want to. there is still some quality fishing left to do!!!! i would appreciate any information someone could offer or know anyone that works on these type of motors on the side in the cape may, new jersey area? <br /><br />thanks!
 

JasonB

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 10, 2003
Messages
1,455
Re: HELP!!! ignition problem

I would suspect a possible bad solenoid.
 

rattana

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
413
Re: HELP!!! ignition problem

When do you hear the noise? Is it when the key is in the start position or in the run position? In the start position it could be the starter solenoid like Jason says. Does it have 12 volts at the coil of the solenoid when trying to start? How is the ground connection from the battery to the motor? Can you turn the engine with a socket on the end of the crank?
 

slickerww

Recruit
Joined
Oct 18, 2003
Messages
4
Re: HELP!!! ignition problem

thanks for your input on my problem. i pretty much have it figured out to the starter housing unit. the mercruiser motor's starter unit is on the bottom of the engine. i tried to take the unit off today and i couldn't get the mounting bolts to budge. the only thing i have now is some bloody knuckles and at least one more trip to the boat! <br /><br />i was curious if anyone had some tricks of the trade on getting the mounting bolts off? without being able to any leverage on them i am having trouble getting them off. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />thanks
 
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