1997 Mercury 75 ELPTO Starting Issues

[outdoor-addict]

Went to start boat and it barely cranks then stops. Naturally I thought battery, so I went and replaced it but still no change. Ordered and put new starter on but still barely cranks then stops after barely turning over. Any ideas?

 

[racerone]

Any more history ?----Was motor submerged ?---Water in lower unit?

 

[outdoor-addict]

I just bought the boat and motor earlier this summer. Looked and ran perfect through summer, didnt use from late august until November. That is when i ran into current situation. Never submerged. No water in lower unit

 

[racerone]

Try turning it over with booster cables directly to the starter.---Report results of that test.

 

[outdoor-addict]

Ok so i loosened starter bolts a little and because it seemed it was in a bind, then it sounded to free spinning, tightened back up a notch and boom it started right up. Is this normal?

 

[racerone]

????----Did you test as per post # 4 , yes or no ?

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

Ok so i loosened starter bolts a little and because it seemed it was in a bind, then it sounded to free spinning, tightened back up a notch and boom it started right up. Is this normal?

Loosening the bolts probably allowed the starter motor drive gear to retract.
If your starter is weak and the starter gear was stuck engaged to the fly wheel the starter will spin the engine slowly.

Check all cable connections.