Mercury starting issues

[stinger160]

Fishing this afternoon and on the fourth time starting engine, won't turn over.  I can hear a whirring noise like the starter is turning but is not spinning the motor.  Previously today it kicked right over.

Any simple stuff I can try to diagnose?  I'm not a mechanic by any means but can follow instructions.  Motor is a 25 horsepower four stroke, 2006 model.

[fishinwrench]

Low voltage to the starter.  

Begin by checking the battery condition, and be sure that all main harness electrical connections are clean and tight.

If the battery tests good and all connections are good....and it started fine initially then went to hell as the day went on, then you may have charging system issues (stator or voltage regulator).

[stinger160]

Thanks!  will let you know what I find out.

[MrGiggles]

Sometimes the Bendix gear can get sticky as well, the starter will just spin and not engage the flywheel. Had that problem now and then on a 9.8 Merc, a little spray lube fixed it.

[oneshot]

On ‎12‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 8:23 PM, MrGiggles said:

Sometimes the Bendix gear can get sticky as well, the starter will just spin and not engage the flywheel. Had that problem now and then on a 9.8 Merc, a little spray lube fixed it.

This was my first thought. You can check it without starting the Motor. If anything just pull the Plug Wires while you check it couple times.

oneshot

[fishinwrench]

If it started earlier that day then a sticky bendix gear is unlikely.  A shot of lube might make it jump up and engage but that's not curing the REAL problem.  

[stinger160]

so far, checked the battery and connections and they look good.  Still doesn't engage.  Looks like a trip to fishinwrench is in my future.

[tjm]

 Take the connections apart and clean them? Oxidation (or whatever it is) creeps into and under good looking connections and starting systems usually have just enough juice to get by when everything is perfect. (low voltage and DC) Got a volt meter? I've had battery cables on trucks that looked good but ate the voltage ~13v in and 6-7v out of a wire will cause just that sort of problem on a truck, starter motor spins but the starter drive won't kick in.

[stinger160]

I’ll give it a shot

[176champion]

Use a wire brush on a drill to clean all battery connectors on engine...grounds and positives...son replaced his starter and it still didn't start right and i cleaned all the grounds and it fired right up...connectors get a white like coating of oxidation and lose connection...