Hi, I've been having some problems with my starter on my 50hp 2 stroke mercury outboard, it is a 1986 model.
When I turn the key to go start the engine, the first few times it works as it's supposed to and cranks the engine.
However, after a few times, the starter will make a "grinding" noise, and seems to stop spinning.
I've taken a video to see what is going on and it seems like the starter lifts up to engage the flywheel, then lowers back down only HALF WAY,
and the flywheel sounds like it "grinds" to a halt. It might just be the starter, but I don't want to damage anything. I tried to start the engine manually
and it was starting just fine. Can bad wire connections be the culprit? The engine's been sitting before I bought it and I refreshed the carbs and lower unit
seals before starting it, but haven't gone over the wiring. Maybe the connection surfaces are contaminated? But I don't see how this would cause the
starter to make a "grinding" noise, which would keep making the "grinding" noise if I didn't release the key. Doesn't it mean the power is getting to the
starter unit if it's operating? Why would it work the first few times and not when the starter "warms up"? Any help would be appreciated.
ALSO as a side note, I saw a "spark" when I released the key from the positive connection on the starter where it connects from the solenoid. I don't think this is
supposed to happen and maybe it has something to do with it?
When I turn the key to go start the engine, the first few times it works as it's supposed to and cranks the engine.
However, after a few times, the starter will make a "grinding" noise, and seems to stop spinning.
I've taken a video to see what is going on and it seems like the starter lifts up to engage the flywheel, then lowers back down only HALF WAY,
and the flywheel sounds like it "grinds" to a halt. It might just be the starter, but I don't want to damage anything. I tried to start the engine manually
and it was starting just fine. Can bad wire connections be the culprit? The engine's been sitting before I bought it and I refreshed the carbs and lower unit
seals before starting it, but haven't gone over the wiring. Maybe the connection surfaces are contaminated? But I don't see how this would cause the
starter to make a "grinding" noise, which would keep making the "grinding" noise if I didn't release the key. Doesn't it mean the power is getting to the
starter unit if it's operating? Why would it work the first few times and not when the starter "warms up"? Any help would be appreciated.
ALSO as a side note, I saw a "spark" when I released the key from the positive connection on the starter where it connects from the solenoid. I don't think this is
supposed to happen and maybe it has something to do with it?
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