Ignition/Starting problem!

[westjr8]

I am having trouble starting my 1984 70hp, 3 cylinder Mercury outboard. Here is what I have so far...

-The choke engages just fine when I "push to choke".
-The starter starts when I jump the solenoid with a screw driver.
-Across the solenoid I have a 12.69V reading on the multimeter, when I turn the ignition key "ON" it only drops to about 12.41V.
-I have cleaned off all the terminal ends with a wire brush and tightened them all down again.
-The battery is brand new with 685CA and is fully charged

I am thinking the problem is either in the ignition cylinder (6 pole) or the solenoid. Can anyone offer me some advice on how to narrow it down between the two?

 

[westjr8]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

UPDATE!

So i messed around with the wiring, and finally got the boat started and the engine running. Here are two new problems that I have:

1: The engine cuts off when i put it under load. It will rev up just fine in neutral.
2: The starter will not turn on after initial start up, it seems like once the engine warms up and i cut it off, when i try to turn it back on with the ignition key, i get nothing. However, if i jump the solenoid with a screwdriver, bam i get fire.

HELP!

 

[iamwill1973]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

I would think if the starter engages jumping the solenoid then the solenoid is bad. Change it. Undo what you did messing around with the wiring closely look for any nicks or tears in insulation, your problem started with the faulty solenoid and was made worse with fiddling with the wiring is that right? Look over the wiring closely though also check the standing power on the solenoid to see if it is getting power when you engage the key to start just in case.

 

[westjr8]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

All i did to the wiring was brush off the terminals and connectors with a wire brush. The problem was almost solved after i did that. But now the "push to choke" doesnt work, yet the starter will crank right up...

Also, another issue i am having is that as soon as i give it some throttle (with the engine running of course), it bogs down and dies out. Fuel bulb is tight, pump is sealed, lines are all good and new... If i rev the engine up out of gear, she will purr like a kitten. As soon as i put it in gear and give it throttle, it dies out.

 

[schematic]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

check if you have spark to each plug.

 

[westjr8]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

I have spark at all 3 cylinders. Compression is also good.

 

[dustysob]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

I have a 1983 Mercury 115, same problem, sorry to jump on your thread, hope somebody with more experience than me can help both out.

 

[westjr8]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

I have a strong feeling that this problem is fuel related in one way or another. Either i have the carbs running to lean or my gas/oil mix is old. Everything else on it looks good to go, i am going to clean the carbs, adjust the idle air, and replace the gas/oil. wish me luck and i will let you know!

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: Ignition/Starting problem!

I have a strong feeling that this problem is fuel related in one way or another. Either i have the carbs running to lean or my gas/oil mix is old. Everything else on it looks good to go, i am going to clean the carbs, adjust the idle air, and replace the gas/oil. wish me luck and i will let you know!

Check your ignition switch and all connections in control housing.