91 Merc electric start problem

[James86]

My 91 merc won't start when I turn the key can hear the selinoid click but nothin happens after that .it will start by the pull rope though any suggestions would be very appreciated

 

[haventaclue]

Start by checking your battery is good and ground is clean and tight.
First cross the solenoid poles check if it works the starter.If that doesn't work,pull the starter and have it checked/cleaned/rebuilt.If it does,replace solenoid
Next,cleaning to shiny battery connections,grounds and making sure everything is tight.

 

[James86]

Thanks I know battery is good I'll pull the starter and have it checked out

 

[flyingscott]

What merc do you have?

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Make sure your terminals are corrosion free and nice and tight (on both sides) I have had a terminal wire corrode on the inside so you couldn't see that it was damaged ... had me pulling my hair out, but eventually I decided to cut the cables and couldn't believe it, I cut off the infected area and ran 100% after that!

 

[fastjeff]

Had the same problem myself just last week. Connection "looked" good but surely was not!

Hint: A bad connection will rapidly heat up--that's how I found mine. Try to start it, then feel (carefully!) for a hot connection.

Jeff