starting motor

[cujo1]

I have a 40 hp 74 merc. 2cyl. it seems like its dragging when i use the key start. It will start when i use the pull rope. i have 12volts on the batt. and when i jumped the starter it engaged but still some dragging to turn over. Do i need a higher cranking amp batt. or is it the starter thats not strong enough?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: starting motor

Its usually a case of bad/dirty/loose connections. Lugs on the battery cables can corrode inside where you can't see it so try jumping them using jumper cables to check. Also a bad battery can cause that. Have it load tested after making sure it is fully charged.

 

[cujo1]

Re: starting motor

Its usually a case of bad/dirty/loose connections. Lugs on the battery cables can corrode inside where you can't see it so try jumping them using jumper cables to check. Also a bad battery can cause that. Have it load tested after making sure it is fully charged.

the batt was new, im thinking the wires might be bad at the internal wiring harness, can you bypass the harness and go direct to starter/soloniod??? ive changed all the wires that i can get too, but the small black wire off the harness that goes to the small connection on solonoid feels bad but i have nothing to connect to off harness. any ideas?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: starting motor

The small wires on the solenoid are the trigger and ground for the solenoid to operate, the LARGER cables are the starter conductors from the battery and then to the starter.

You can try using one side of your battery jumper cables and go direct from the battery to the starter, see if the starter now spins correctly, if not R&R the starter.

 

[j_martin]

Re: starting motor

Usually, but not always, if you have a weak connection or solenoid, it'll immediately smoke and give up. Odds are good your starter is due for a rebuild.

You can check the starting current with one of those cheap hold it against the wire current testers. I would guess it'd be 100 amps or less if normal. I'd bet yours is 200 or more.

hope it helps
John

 

[cujo1]

Re: starting motor

OK guys thanks will give it a go, You men are life savers for us rookies..lol