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JM · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 1:24 pm Post subject: Mercury 90 starting problems

I have a 2005 mercury 90 saltwater edition. Decided not to crank on me this morning while out fishing. It just makes a little popping noise when you turn the key. Any ideas before I call mechanic.

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

Could be battery, battery cables.....corrosion on battery post clamps or cables....kinda hard to tell unless I looked. Those are the things I would check.

Mike

JM · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 2:36 pm Post subject:

10 4 I just thought it was strange because it was working fine. I went to start another drift and nothing just the popping noise. I will try another battery and check terminals, and then see what happens. One thing I know for sure sea tow is expensive.

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

Those cables are bouncing around alot in choppy water if there is anytype of corrosion it can cas a problems. Also all the bouncing can loosen a connection. Sometimes just tighten the clamp on the battery terminal and the problem is solved

Hope thing work out for ya...

Mike

Gib · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject: starter

As posted, start with connections. If connections and battery are good, your starter may not be engaging.

Does your tilt still work strong? If so, indication it may be something else.

If it is starter, take starter to Texas battery or C.C. battery, and let them rebuild it. They make it better than a new one.

BlueWaveEd · Horse Mullet Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 132

Have battery tested. I have had a couple of them fail unexpectedly. Bouncing across the waves can break connections between the cells internally.

Last year I started my battery the night before a trip and it started and ran fine. Got up early int he morning drove to the ramp, backed boat down, and click... click... Crap! grabbed one of my trolling motor batteries and the motor started right up. Had battery load tested and it showed a bad cell.

Hope it is as simple for you.

Bluffer · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:26 pm Post subject:

Archer · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 9:46 pm Post subject:

Had mine do that intermittantly a couple of years ago. Checked all batteries, cables etc, replaced batteries, kept on doing it occasionally until I replaced the starter. Nothing worse than a problem that only happens when you're out fishing, darn thing started every time back at the house and at the shop.

JM · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the input. I think it is the starter all connections and battery appear to be ok. You recommended rebuilding the starter would it be better to just get a new one? Looks pretty easy to replace any ideas or past experience on any problems replacing one.

Gib · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:09 pm Post subject: rebuilding starter

JM,

I just had two 225hp Mercury starter's rebuilt. They take about 10 minutes to remove.

Once you price a new Mercury starter, you will become interested in rebuilding one. Also, I can speak for guys at TX Battery as they do an outstanding job. I have yet to return anything for rebuilding once they get through with it. C.C. battery has done some work for me as well but not on boat motor starters. Both can fix them better than you can buy them new and for a whole lot less money.

Price will depend on severity of problem but it will be under $100.00.

Also, take the callen off of motor, try starting motor while looking at starter. If shaft is not rising to engage fly wheel, you have just diagnosed problem. Sorry, I do know all the technical terms for starter parts.

Hope this helps!

Gib · Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:14 pm Post subject: sorry

Still learning to spell. It is not callen as I have now learned, it is cowling.