starting issue

[davej]

i have been having an intermittent starting problem with my old Merc 2S 60hp.

I turn the key and there is a click but it doesn't turn the starter, I try again and almost certainly it fires up normally but occasionally its taken three goes., tried wiggling the handle in case its the detent switch but it doesn't appear to be.

Taken all the wires off the starter motor/solenoid/ battery, cleaned them applied vasiline
and made sure they are tight.

After cleaning all the cable ends and tightening them up it still did it again but after another 10 starts it didn't show a prioblem again. I guess it could be all sorts but what is the most likely, dud solenoid, dirty commutator,

Its cetainly an old motor as I had it from new and its 22 yrs old so its had its fair share of starts.
What is the most likely source of the problem and how do I test for it, any suggestions welcome ?


Thanks Davej

[matt h]

Dud solenoid. 55 squids for a new one

[A1an]

If it turns out to be a starter solenoid, post a pic up, I might have one I can send you.

[davej]

Originally Posted by A1an

If it turns out to be a starter solenoid, post a pic up, I might have one I can send you.

Great thanks will do tomorrow.

When hopefully it stops raining and maybe gets light again!

Davej

[colcreate]

Starter motor brushes?
Easy enough to check and worth cleaning/replacing.

[davej]

Thank you for these useful tips, I have now investigated further and taken off the solenoid which tested fine. I am therefore thinking it must be the starter motor ie worn brushes and or a dirty commutator. It still fires up 9 out of 10 times

After looking at the numbers on the side of the starter ( 50-44369) and my parts list, which indicates 50-44369A1. Does anybody know what type it is, a Bosch or a Prestolite as my proper Merc maual seems to have disassembly instructions for both.

What is the best course of action, strip clean and re brush myself or take to an auto electric, maybe a Bosch agent and let them repair?

Can you buy the brushes for both types, if so from where?

Many thanks

Davej

[matt h]

Don't bank on it being the starter, Mine did the same, i tested it whilst in start mode and the solenoid contact was missing every so often.
Starter issues either work or dont work! Generally !!!

[davej]

Hi Matt

I took the solenoid off as my workshop manual suggested and tested in on the bench tens of times connected to a 12v battery and it clicked on and off as it should. What was actually wrong with yours, was it the solenoid of something else?

thanks davej

[matt h]

Dave, mine was clicking as it should (internal contact mating with pole or not) but contact was not good enough or at all to transfer power to the pole (threaded section). did you test the ign feed, small terminal and then at the same time take a feed of the main terminal e;g where the cable bolts on?

[davej]

Hi Matt.
Yes, I think I did what you suggested as the test in the Merc Factory manual consists of connecting it up to a 12v battery as well as the muti meter, which then clicks it open so it has 0 ohms reading on the meter. This it the only test that the manual explains.

I guess I could just buy another solenoid and have asked Key parts for a quote.

The check and strip of the starter doesn't actually look that much work!

Thanks Dave

[PeterM]

I'd still be betting on the solenoid...

What you describe are classic symptoms of many an old car engine starting problem...and outboard...with me shouting 'it won't bloody start Matt!!!'

[davej]

Thanks for the input, tomorrow key parts should come back to me with a price and I might then order a new solenoid or wait until after this weekend when I will be using the boat.

I can then take the starter off and have a good look at the condition of it prior to getting a new solenoid.

Thanks Dave