Thread: Mercury outboard will not turn over

Check all the connections good first, may be the brushes in the starter tho. Good luck

I just resolved this issue on a Mariner 75. Likely the bushing on the bottom of the starter is corroded and will not allow the starter to spin freely. Have someone turn the key for you and attempt to use one finger to spin the engage gear on the top of the starter. You might get it to spin to start. If you can break it loose and it will turn over the engine. Most likely the bushing is corroded. I replaced my starter for $75.00 shipped from EBAY.
Good Luck
Zero

Probably 95% of all starter problems is electrical. Is the battery fully charged? Check all your connections. They must be very clean and tight. Check the lugs very closely for any signs of corrosion. They can corrode inside where you can't see it and cause the problem you are having. If you know how to do a voltage drop test you could check them that way. Another way would be to temporally substitute the cables with jumper cables. If all the cables have been confirmed good, try jumping the starter solenoid. Just because it clicks does NOT mean its good. If you are sure the solenoid is good have your battery load tested, regardless of age. This brings you to the starter itself. Remove it and have it tested by your local auto electric shop. They can rebuild it for you if needed and save you some money. Let us know how you make out.

Originally Posted by Zero

Have someone turn the key for you and attempt to use one finger to spin the engage gear on the top of the starter. You might get it to spin to start.

WOW - NO way I would recommend someone put their finger anywhere near the bendix when key is on. You have any idea how much torque a starter develops? Add to tahe he would likely have to put his finger up under a cover on this Merc to get to it. That starter catches, and his finger is up under that cover, he'll wish for the next several months he hadn't tried that.

Originally Posted by MDCrappie

WOW - NO way I would recommend someone put their finger anywhere near the bendix when key is on. You have any idea how much torque a starter develops? Add to tahe he would likely have to put his finger up under a cover on this Merc to get to it. That starter catches, and his finger is up under that cover, he'll wish for the next several months he hadn't tried that.

That is for sure!!

Originally Posted by mdcrappie

wow - no way i would recommend someone put their finger anywhere near the bendix when key is on. You have any idea how much torque a starter develops? Add to tahe he would likely have to put his finger up under a cover on this merc to get to it. That starter catches, and his finger is up under that cover, he'll wish for the next several months he hadn't tried that.

x3