Motor Issues at Meaford, Update-Thursday July 25

My Legend boat and Mercury 40hp 4 stroke are from 1999. I bought the package in 2005.

Since then it has run very well, with me replacing the impeller a couple times and a couple of new batteries.

The battery is under the back seat and not easy to get at. Over the years, all I have ever done In the Spring when putting the battery back in is struggle to hook up all cables and get them tight.

After comments people made since Monday about bad connections, today I removed the battery from under tha back seat and cleaned all connections with a file and emery paper. Hooked everything back up-well tightened and turned the key to see what would happen. It turned over. So, I thought that appears have resolved my issue. Now, I will pull it out of the garage, hook up the water and run it for a while.

Pulled out, hooked up to water--turned the key--"CLICK".

Turned key a few more times and it turns over, but the motor won't catch and the starter locks on and won't respond to turning off the key. Had to disconnect battery to get it to shut down.

What now?? Would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

SDC

I'd check your key ignition switch. Working sporadically isn't a good thing for sure.

Good Luck,

Cheers,

Hmmm. At least it started this time and turns over. It still looks like an electrical connection to me. Maybe a short in the ignition wiring. Is there any evidence of tampering by animals? Partially chewed wires can short and power the starter even when key is off. I will look up your outboard and see if this is a common symptom. Various outboards have gremlins that seem to occur with consistency.

Bad starter solenoid or slave solenoid can cause starter to stay on even with key off.

Need to use voltmeter and check connections at solenoid and starter.
But this step is a bit tedious. Will try to find a video for you..

https://forums.iboats.com/threads/starter-w...ranking.477009/

Same issue as you on a similar Merc Outboard

https://forums.iboats.com/threads/starter-w...ranking.718172/

Don't mess too much with it until you have a safe game plan diagnostic procedure.. Playing around with possibly arcing wires can cause other damage to the outboard.

Metalbuckle--Jerry--Thanks for your efforts on my behalf and thanks to others for your suggestions.

I've been doing internet research as well, and everything points to the problem being the solenoid.

I called Blue Beacon Marina in Atherley today and spoke to the owner Steve Clark and he is ordering a solenoiid for me and I shoud have it by Wednesday.

Hopefully that will solve the issue.

SDC

Soon as I read it click but no start then start then click again. Instantly knew it was solinoed. I got to the post a little late. Not saying to do it but if you got a thick wire you can cross the Solonoid and that will pretty much tell you the story.

Solenoid test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyBV-FLtVf0

I feel bad for you broke down right when the fishing is good

If I’m in a boat with electric start and no pull cord then I always carry a hammer to tap the starter if it has issues. Also I often like to have a kicker on as paddling more than a tinner in size is a little much. Definitely verifying all wiring is important every so often. Of course at least in the old outboard motors there were ways and sometimes included ropes to start them manually.

Agreed I think its the solenoid as well.

I hope it's an easy fix and you can get back out there.

Cheers!

agreed....

however, using a single engine merits what Fisherman said.carry a booster pack with you and there never was an explanation on how good that battery was , the type and the cranking amps on it

many will show a full charge, but drawdown to almost nothing if they are near done

imo........everything needs to be checked out


gl Ralph