Mercury starter problems

[Will12]

Hello all,
I have a 1978 90 hp Mercury outboard and I am experiencing issues with the starter. I have recently installed a brand new starter, but I am still experiencing problems. When the motor is cold, the motor will start just fine however, once the motor is running and you turn it off it will not start again. Starter also gets really hot, but once you let things sit for a while and get cool the motor will turn over again with no issue. Any help on diagnosing this issue would be great .

Thanks,
Will

[Bill Edmundson]

Sounds like the starter is not disengaging.

Bill

[BillW]

I would suggest that you go to http://www.johnsoldmercurysite.com , tech help section.
Very knowledgeable folks on there.

When you say "it will not start again" be sure to specify if that means the starter will not crank the engine.
Or, does it mean that it will crank over, but that the engine will not start?

[Bill Edmundson]

First question, probably the easiest. But, not it. When you start the engine does the key return to the on position or stay in the start position?
If it returns to on, it is probably a relay someplace that is sticking. Since, it's a new starter, I doubt it is the new starter.

Sorry! This is not one of my strong areas. I'm just looking for the easy way out!

Bill

[PeterG]

Check your wiring against the diagram linked below, make sure your starter is wired correctly to the starter solenoid and the solenoid has the correct connections. There may also be a problem with bad insulation on the wiring as Mercury outboards typically suffer nasty insulation failures on their older outboards.
http://www.maxrules.com/oldmercs/Wiring/1966ona/50.jpg

This http://www.maxrules.com/index.php website is very handy but the john's old mercury site is the best.

[Jimbob]

Just spoke with our ace mechanic at the dealership that is into boats.
He says it might be the starter solenoid or a problem with the ground to the starter.
Hope this helps.
Jim