Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue: now need a reference for someone to look at it

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Nitro66

New member
Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue: now need a reference for someone to look at it

I have a 1998 Mercury 200. The engine will turn over a couple of times then start clicking like a dead battery. I replaced the start battery, still doing it. The voltage in the new start battery is 13.4 volts. That’s before and after trying to crank. Even tryed jumping with my trolling motor battery at 13.0v, and it didn’t work.

Also you can operate the trim and it starts sounding like the battery is going dead.
Any ideas???
 
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lafae7

Member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Sounds like your starter selenoid is going bad. Try “jumping” the selenoid with a screwdriver if your mechanically competent to see if that is the reason. IF you don’t know what that is just order one. They are cheap and easy to swap out.
 
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silvertalon

Active member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

You need to replace the battery end connectors. They have dry corrosion in the wires. They won't carry the amperage but will carry volts and trick you. The problem can also be the connectors on the motor end.
 
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lafae7

Member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Did you get to figure it out yet? Are you using a handheld style volt meter or are you using the boats gauge?
 
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Nitro66

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Going to start looking at it today. Thanks for all the replies, I’ve got some things to start checking
 
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Nitro66

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Everything tight and no corrosion on solenoid. Voltage at the solenoid 11.8V and drops to 5v and below when cranking . I’m going to try a solenoid .
 
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Oldman

Active member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

sounds like the starter is dragging.(pulling too many amps)
 
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river rat

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

+3 bad starter
 
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captain kirk

Member
RE: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Try using a hammer on the brush end of the starter. I'm not joking, when the brushes are about worn out they sometimes do not make good contact. A few good raps with a hammer will make better contact and make a temporary fix.
 
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jr_37355

Member
RE: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Man hook jumper cables to ur truck hook ground to the motor hit the hot to the hot post on the starter it bypasses everything if starter is good it will spin if not starter is bad take to generator shop get rebuilt cheaper than buying new
 
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Nitro66

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Was told 50-79472T2 was part number. All I can find is around 350.00. Anyone have any aftermarket options?
 
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Dmountainmanb

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

You should have same voltage at solenoid as at battery. If not bad connection or cable.. You said you had 13.4 at battery in first post, and on last post only 11.8 at solenoid, big drop need to find problem. Now if you are sure it is starter then look at db electrical.com. It may take a few days 3-4 to get but great prices on starters, I have bought several and all have been good.
 
FishingwithRusty

FishingwithRusty

Active member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Nitro66 - 5/6/2019 7:43 PM

Was told 50-79472T2 was part number. All I can find is around 350.00. Anyone have any aftermarket options?
Click to expand...

2 clicks on google and found several listings for that starter with several under $60, could have it rebuilt locally for about 60 as well

+1 on DB Electrical.com
 
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Oldman

Active member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

+2 on db electrical
 
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Nitro66

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

It looks like I’m going to ha e to get it looked at. Replaced Starter and Solenoid, didn’t fix it. You can add a 2nd battery by jumpinn a trolling motor battery to the crank battery. It turns over then but not like it should.of coarse crank battery is new with a 12.5v .

Who should I take it to? Would like to make an appointment or be put on a list then take it in to get looked at. Tried that last time in dalton. They told me when to bring it in and leave it, then took 2 weeks to get to it. Left it under a tree during 2 weeks of thunderstorms. Was nasty when I got it back
 
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jbh3

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

Bunch does service by appointment. They're a bit of a drive for you, but are great folks with a BIG, modern shop. IMO, 12.5V at the battery is not fully charged. Should be getting ~12.8. Can also check the condition of your cables and connections at the battery. Connections should be shiny and tight. No wing nuts. Best of luck.
 
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Nitro66

New member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue: now need a reference for someone to look at

I was hoping for someone local
 
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fischnrod

Active member
Re: Engine acts like dead batteries, but not the issue

silvertalon - 4/28/2019 9:55 PM

You need to replace the battery end connectors. They have dry corrosion in the wires. They won't carry the amperage but will carry volts and trick you. The problem can also be the connectors on the motor end.
Click to expand...

What he said== I would replace the cables if nothing else has worked and see what happened, it's a lot cheaper than repair bill and it never hurts to add new stuff to a boat
 
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