1994 Mercury 90-2 Stroke Urgent Starting Issue

[B@ssDoctor]

I need some advise ASAP as I have an urgent trip scheduled this weekend.

I am having starting issues with my 90 horse. Occassionally, my starter appears it does not have power and will not engage/rotate. Then after trailering doewn the road, it will work just fine. I suspect I have an issue with the starter or the ignition.

I have long suspected my ignition, but I would like to rule out the starter first.

Can you apply 12 volts right to the starter motor without damaging anything?

Anyone else have some pointers to pin this down to a single component?

[marine_man]

Why are you thinking the ignition?

If your problem is the starter engaging vs not engaging, it's 100% in the start circuit.

Yes, you can apply 12V directly to the starter motor to rule out wiring issues.

It sounds to me like a bad connection - either between the battery and battery cable or between the starter and cable.

Take the connections apart, make sure they're clean and tighten them up again.

marine_man

[B@ssDoctor]

I had a similar issue with my 150 where my ignition was not applying power to the starter. A replacement switch fixed it.

Another question: When I have my wife turn the ignition, I should have 12 volts at the starter no matter what, right? If so, I agree with your assumption since it would mean that it is from the starter back.

Are there any other components between the starter and the battery that could be causing this?

Is there a simplified wiring diagram of this circuit if there is?

[marine_man]

When you say turn the ignition, you mean to put the switch into the crank position, correct?

If so, yes, you should see 12V at the starter.

Have you checked your connections?

There's also a neutral interlock switch that factors into this... it's possible that your shift cable could need adjustment or your neutral switch.

marine_man