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Mercruiser 5 Not Starting

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Kerby

New member
I Have a 2005 Rinker 250 FV with a Mercruiser 5, 265 HP. I have had it out 3 times since getting it. Starting it has never been a problem. This last time I ran the blower for about 5 min. turned the key and nothing. The starter didn't crank at all. The battery selector was on Number 1 (starter battery) and the volt meter on the dash was 12 Volts. I tried it on the emergency battery setting to no avail. When I last came in to dock I am not 100% sure if the shift selector was in neutral.
Being new to boating I've come up blank with ideas and the manuals were not a help. :(
 
Rock the shifter back and forth to reseat it in neutral. It won't crank over if not in neutral... just like trying to start a car (with an auto) with the selector in D or R - won't happen.
 
makomark:

Thanks for the information. I tried moving the shift lever back and forth but it still didn't start. The shift and throttle linkage looked to be operating ok. So took a small screwdriver under the neutral micro switch and gently cycled it up and down tried a start and away she went.
This was a good leason learned. I also cleaned the battery posts on both batteries.
Thanks for your help.:cool:

Kerby
 
Your problem is the Slave Solenoid for the starter. When you put the screw driver under the micro switch and cycled it, you were probably holding the key in the start position at the same time. You cycled the solenoid rapidly and the engine started.

Next time it does not start, have someone turn the key for you and you listen by the engine and you will here the solenoid click.

Common problem.
 
Sweet!

Like Chris said, the slave solenoid would have been next on the list...sometimes, the solenoid is fine but it's ground needs attention. Thanks for the resolution post - that's what makes this site great.
 
Chris:
When I cycled the micro switch the key was off and I removed the screwdriver to start the engine. After letting the engine run awhile and shutting it off I did another start. I could hear the solenoid kick in.

Kerby
 
most control boxes require some disassembly to even see the switch. I would have simply put the 2 yellow/red wires together for testing.
 
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