starter solenoid sticking......

[Wreck Rider]

Does anyone know if a little lubrication is all I need to do to solve this problem? (motor is mercury ‘76 in-line 4 cyl. 2 stroke outboard, model 850, serial 7071754)

Last Saturday we changed tanks part way through a SCUBA trip on Lake Ontario and the motor wouldn't start. Here we are 15 km south of Kingston Ontario and a lovely breeze blowing us straight to Rochester NY (and me without a passport).

The starter motor would spin well but the gear wasn't throwing to contact the flywheel. A little swearing, laughing, light tapping and it did start. At home we dripped some oil to where I thought it would probably do some good. Tested it well then took it out Sunday with no problems. But is this the end of my story?

 

[MortenH]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Hard to say. It is possible that the problem is solved, but I guess a good cleaning and inspection is needed. But it will probably work out the season (if you are lucky...)

-M-

 

[Texasmark]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Also, a weak battery may not allow your starter to spin fast enough to throw the bendix out to where it will engage the flywheel.

A spray like Sea Foam's Deep Creep is perfect for this. Spray it around on the shaft and all.

Mark

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Reply -- The battery was in good condition and cranking strong, we also had a spare, which we tried and it also was cranking strong. It did appear to be the bendix not engaging for some other (sticking presumed) reason.

 

[gregtobin]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Reply -- The battery was in good condition and cranking strong, we also had a spare, which we tried and it also was cranking strong. It did appear to be the bendix not engaging for some other (sticking presumed) reason.

 

[gregtobin]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Wreck Rider -
Can you tell me what you solution to the sticky starter turned out to be? Mine is acting similarly.

 

[canadian_fisher]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Use a good strong cleaner to de-gunk it before adding any more lube.
Also, make sure you can manually get the bendix to roll into the flywheel. Please put the keys in your pockets to ensure all fingers survive the test. Kids do funny things at the wrong time.

Other faults........ weak battery, bad (+) or (gnd) wire, or starter needs a rebuild.

Good luck.... CF

 

[Silvertip]

Re: starter solenoid sticking......

Actually lubricant causes the grooves of the starter motor shaft get gunked up which creates the problem you are experiencing. Clean the shaft and don't add any grease. If you feel you must, give it a shot of Tri-Flow (teflon based) or a Silcone spray lub. A little spritz is all that's needed. Those parts don't get a great deal of wear. On these parts "more" is not a good thing.