Help! Outboard won't crank

[Xj5]

I just bought this boat with a 2000 Mercury 150 xr6 ran and started fine. I drove it about 35 minutes. Got to the dock shut down the motor and tried to start it again and nothing. It won't crank nothing. I turn the key, it beeps once and then nothing. I've checked the batteries, plenty of power. Its weird it stated and ran like a champ the nothing. Any help would be appreciated. I have searched around a bit and I'm thinking solenoid or key switch.Please advise?

 

[Mercurylips]

Check your battery terminals and clean and tighten. They can look great from close up but still be corroded. Then all the connections it takes to turn the starter. It may take a couple of sharp raps ( non damaging) with a screwdriver handle or a hammer handle. After that look to the battery as faulty and test it and then the starter. Key switch is a good bet. Listen to your starter solenoid when someone else hits the start sequence.

 

[Xj5]

Thank you. I have checked the battery. It new and cleaned up well. The solenoid makes no noise as far as I can hear. I did notice the solenoid wiggled a bit. Could it need to be tightened up or just replaced. I'm thinking replace the solenoid and if that doesnt work try the key switch. Its just weird its stated no problem and then nothing

 

[Xj5]

Also I jumped it across and the starter engaged. So that what made me think the key switch is a possibility.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thank you. I have checked the battery. It new and cleaned up well. The solenoid makes no noise as far as I can hear. I did notice the solenoid wiggled a bit. Could it need to be tightened up or just replaced. I'm thinking replace the solenoid and if that doesnt work try the key switch. Its just weird its stated no problem and then nothing

Also I jumped it across and the starter engaged. So that what made me think the key switch is a possibility.

you have your answer and it is NOT the key switch.

 

[Xj5]

Thanks so much. I guess just a matter of walking away, taking my time and some good advice.

 

[UKMike]

Not all but most engines have a cut off to stop you starting the engine when still in drive, check what your motor has and if that stops the starter or just grounds the HT.

 

[flyingscott]

Yes a neutral safety switch could be the problem. Does the motor have a main fuse in the harness?

 

[Xj5]

Didn't see a main fuse. The neutral switch seems clean no corrosion. I did take the solenoid of today plan on replacing it tomorrow evening. I think it will do the trick. If not back to the drawing board. I will update as soon as I replace it as well as my multimeter. When I bought it it was new and a shiny and I didn't know it didn't have a resistance setting.

 

[Xj5]

Update. I changed the solenoid. No luck. Something is killing from the get go. Key switch seems fine. So I'm closing in on neutral switch. Not exactly sure where that is but I'm gonna do a video search. Thanks for you imput and direction.

 

[Xj5]

Ok so back to problem. I turn the key and get one beep and nothing. I have replaced the solenoid. Something stopping it completely. Battery and cables are clean and tight plenty of charge. I started it and drove it for about 30 min turned of the key and nothing.

 

[Xj5]

Wow. A blown fuse in the main harness. And the neutral switch was bad all in one. Thanks so much for all your input. Flying Scott the commander was spot on.