Mercruiser Starter Turns But Does Not Engage

[Racer57]

2007 Mercruiser 3.0l Alpha I Gen II. Starter turns but does not engage engine. If I try it 10 -20 times it may engage then engine starts fine.

Thought it might be a weak battery. Battery was five years old. Got a new battery, cranked and started fine. Went out to the island for the day. When we wanted to leave and it did not start again. 10 or so attempts and it engaged and started.

I am thinking the solenoid is bad and not pushing the pinion into the flywheel. Thoughts? Can the solenoid be purchased separate from the starter?

 

[Volphin]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Turns But Does Not Engage

Sounds like a sticky solenoid to me. Odd for a 2007 though. Remove the starter and have an electrical shop inspect the windings and bushings. Are your connections to the battery and the starter clean and tight?

V

 

[Racer57]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Turns But Does Not Engage

Yes - took connections off, wire brushed them and put them back on. That was this morning after I replaced the battery. Engine started so I thought all was well. So went off on our trip as described above.