terry bass boat with 90 hp mercury electrical problem?

Question

I bought this boat saturday june 23 when we started the engine the battery sounded weak. went to the lake the same day no start no noise. today brought the battery to get checked it was fine.Hook back up now the starter sometimes it will click somtimes it just wines but wont engage. I jump the relay on the motor it wines. I jumped the relay that goes to the battery didnt spark or do anything. Also the tilt is not working now any tips would be helpful its a wiring mess

the starter gear is not engaging but starter turns on when you turn key battery is fully charged

theres 2 solenoid which ones would i replace the one on the motor or to the battery

how much do they cost

Answer 1

Please be a little more specific. What you are calling "wines" may mean something totally different to everyone else. Does the starter turn & the bendix is not engaging or is the bendix engaging the flywheel & the starter does not have enough power to turn the engine?

Answer 2

You were very clear that the starter turns but wont engage,so ignore the lower unit answerer.
There are three common reasons for this problem,1)low battery voltage 2)poor wire connections on either the pos+ or the neg-,this includes corrosion loose wire terminals etc. and lastly 3)the starter its self could have broken field or armature windings,or just needs the Bendix lubed.
The two solenoids are for the tilt and trim,one for up the other down,if neither are working I would check the trim switch,also check for power.
Good luck contact me if i can be of further help.
35 years as a marine tec.Mercury/OMC/Volvo

Answer 3

Sounds like you didnt test drive the boat b4 you bought it! couple easy tests remove starter and try to see if it runs smoothly on its own by jumping the hot post and grounding the body,is the engine free turning-test this by removing plugs and turning engine by hand or rope start or if starter is still avail use it,it could also be the lwr unit may have a bearing prob on the drive shaft and it is holding the engine back. First check the engine to see if it turns freely if so this out rules the lower unit,then you more than likely have a bad starter and the relays are cheap if in doubt replace them,you can take your starter and have it checked for amp draw,more than likely from what it sounds your starter bendix is corroded and you bushings are shot-have your starter rebuilt its cheaper than buying a new one!!
Good Luck....

Answer 4

If, the starter is spinning but not engaging it may be dirty. You could remove and spray with a cleaner upside down so the dirt flush out and not into.
It pretty basic as the centrifugal force throws the gear into the flywheel.
IF, you need to have the starter repaired take it to a small starter/alternator/motor repair shop as it be cheaper than a Boat Mechanic, who will most likely take it to a starter/alternator/motor repair shop and charge you for doing it.

Answer 5

Faulty starter, the pull in solenoid is drawing too many amps. Change the remote solenoid.

Answer 6

is there a "slim" chance you have the battery hooked up backwards??????????? otherwise the starter is shot.