150hp Pro XS Starter Issue

[Norby]

I have a 2011 150hp Pro XS serial 1B865060. I was on the water with the motor idling in neutral when it suddenly stopped. Tried re starting but would only crank slowly like a dead battery, but the smartcraft gauge showed 12.4v. Merc mechanic checked the battery and leads ok and put in a new starter and solenoid. Next trip out, the motor started and ran as normal, before I noticed the smartcraft gauge showing 11.4v. A minute or so later a 4 beep alarm went off so I shut the motor down. When I got home and took the cowling off, the starter motor was still engaged. The ignition key seems to be returning to the normal position after starting. What is the likely cause for the starter to stay engaged and for the volts to be dropping when the motor is running ?
thanks for you assistance

[SilverFox579]

How old is the battery, what is it's capacity (rated CCA)? Battery terminals clean and engine cables direct to terminals and tight? You should see 13.5 - 13.8vdc at the battery with running.

[JOE54]

starter hanging in flywheel is possibly a bad starter and or solenoid , rectify this problem or you will have major issues if not already

[Norby]

Battery is 3 years old, 800CCA. terminals are clean and tight. Normally is charging in high 13V when running, but after the new starter and solenoid where installed, I didn't go above idle. Battery started at 12.62v but dropped to 11.39V after starting
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[SilverFox579]

Check the fusible link to ensure it's not blown...a momentary touch with battery cables reversed will take it out.

[EuropeanAM]

Check the fusible link to ensure it's not blown...a momentary touch with battery cables reversed will take it out.

^^^^ This, OR the red wire up by the oil pump has been disconnected at it's bullet connector point.

If the battery is severely discharged, the starter may jam/drag. Verify whether or not this occurs with a fully-charged, hot battery (and correct the charging problem, which is likely the item quoted above).

Simple test for the Fusible link is to check the voltage at the large-red output terminal on the alternator with the engine idling. It should be in the 12.9 - 14.5 VDC range (if the voltage is considerably higher, the fusible link is BLOWN).

Blown Fusible Link requires the entire link be replaced (lead from alternator to the positive cable/power post).