Starting problem.....
 

I have a 1997 7.4L Mercruiser and turned the key to start it and heard silence! The typical buzzers sounded but the starter never turned. The starter has been working fine and has never grinded or made any unusual noises. I read about a 20 amp fuse and was wondering if it is on top of the motor or somewhere else???? I have voltage at the starter but have not tried to short the leads yet. I am going to check the ignition switch, the neutral switch and the safety cord switch [whatever it is called].

Any Suggestions?????????????????

Re: Starting problem.....
 

Where the main lead connects the starter to the battery, check to see if there is a fused link there. Mine had a square block fuse there that blew causing the same symptoms.

On my boat, the other connection of that fuse is the wire that "feeds" everything else on the boat, so when it popped - no beeper, no starter, no radio, no nothing.

Re: Starting problem.....
 

When you mention the main lead with the fused link, do you mean at the battery or at the starter?

Re: Starting problem.....
 

Hi Medic574,

One end of the fuse link is attached to the starter solidniod at the starter and the other to the battery cable. If the Fuse Link is good then try wiggling the Shifter/Throttle handle around, there is a Neutral Position switch in the controller and if the Shifter/Throttle isn't in the "right" spot, the starter won't work.

If the above doesn't get you going, you will need to troubleshoot the starter circuit.

Let me know if you need help with the circuit, I can guide you through it.

Good luck,
WetWilly

Re: Starting problem.....
 

Thanks for the info. I followed the main cable, tugged and pulled around corners and tight areas. I found a 50 amp breaker mounted on top of the motor and checked the reset button which was not tripped. I pushed, pulled and practiced my swearing. I turned the key and the starter engaged and the motor started!!! Problem solved although I have no idea where the problem was. Probably a poor connection somewhere.

Thanks again for the help.

Re: Starting problem.....
 

Back in the good old days of Mainframe Systems, we would call that FM (Fcensored Magic) and leave it at that.... :rolleyes:

Great to here your up and running again! :wink_thumbup:

WetWilly

Re: Starting problem.....
 

I had the same thing happen. Willy hit it on the head. If I don't get my shifter/throttle just perfect (in the neutral position) it won't do anything. I got stuck for fifteen minutes on the water screwing with the throttle until it finally started. If it happens again turn the key at the same time you are fooling with the shifter. That usually works.

Re: Starting problem.....
 

Back in my days we called those "Random Features" which were designed to activate at the worst times (when you have a boatload of hot blonde options). :D I believe these were design flaws which given the right circumstances a somewhat devious but logical thinking man would replace the old "ran out of gas trick".