Will not start

[Big Dannyboy]

I have a 1988 100 hp Mercury. When the key is turned on the starter turns sending the small gear up to engage the fly wheel but it does not go high enough to connect to the fly wheel. What is the problem?

 

[MichaelScott87]

Re: Will not start

I had the same problem with my 96 200hp. I was not getting enough power to the celenoid. I know on my motor it takes 9.5 to 10 V to get the bendix (small gear) to engage fully. I was getting 9 and it was doing the same thing. I had replaced my hot wire (copper) with an aluminum cable and never went up a guage in wire. Aluminum does not conduct as well as copper. I would put a volt meter on your celenoid and have someone turn the key. Check the voltage. I don't know for sure that it is the same for your motor but I would imagine it is close. If you have a very low voltage reading when the key is being turned then you know you are not getting proper juice.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Will not start

The majority of starter problems (including solenoid problems) are caused by poor battery cable connections.

Clean/sand ALL connections, BOTH ENDS of both battery cables AND the shorter cable from the solenoid to the starter motor.

Connections MUST BE clean, bright, and tight, in order to carry the massive current required of the starter motor.