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No Power to starter - solenoid, safety switch or fuse?

A

arkansashunter

Member
Hey Everyone,

I have a 1994 Mariner / Merc that is new too me, don't know too much about the back history other than it has really low hours and shows no physical signs of wear and tear, kinda like a barn find.

Naturally it had it's fair share of dirt dobber and random nastiness inside the cowl but I have all that cleaned out now and all the wires appear to be intact and unscratched etc.

The problem is that when I hit the start button nothing happens, no click, no drag, just silence. If I jump the solenoid it fires off as it should. So what would be the proper next step test to figure out why the starter is not engaging. I am getting proper power to the solenoid but registering nothing on the starter side when I press the start button.

I assume it is one of 3 things: The solenoid itself, the neutral safety switch, or the starter button assemble. I suppose the kill button could be the issue but it is getting spark to the plugs when it is turning over so wouldn't that rule that out?

Not really sure what the proper testing order is beyond that. Any input would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks!
 
It is a tiller handle setup. I'm going to go through tonight and clean all the connections and see if corrosion could be the issue. I'm not expecting amazing results from that but you never know.
 
The only places that register any type of reading are the main inlet post on the solenoid coming straight from the battery and the bottom post on the rectifier. (which is also fed straight from the battery).

Tested everything else both while pressing the starter button and without
 
There should be four terminals on the start solenoid the two smal ones are for the coil one goes to ground and the other to the switch. Jumper from battery pos to the small red terminal the solenoid should click if not you have a bad ground or the solenoid may be bad.
 
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