Merc Opti Starter Switch Problem

[JYarb]

Got a friend on the lake and his switch will turn to where the alarm beeps, but the won't turn on around to start the motor. Is there anything he can do to fish today? 2008 Opti 200. Thanks

[Tom G.]

Is the battery good and fully charged? He can also swap batteries to see if that is the problem. Mine will do the same when the battery is low - all connections need to be clean and tight.

If the battery and connections are good, he can tap the starter and Bendix while cranking to see if it will turn over... but WATCH THE FLYWHEEL WHEN DOING THIS!! This is a crap shoot, in that he may not get back - it can work, but not all the time.

I would tend to believe it's a battery issue, and would focus there first.

[JYarb]

Thanks for the reply Tom. What he is saying is that the switch is sticking. It will turn enough to make the alarm go off, but then will turn no farther. He says it is like a block is there to keep it from turning on around to start the engine.

[Tom G.]

Hmmmm...it sounds like the internals of the switch are broken. I would wiggle the key a bit and see if it works, but I would tend to believe that the only real fix will be a new switch. I would recommend he call European Marine and speak to Don about it....(864) 421-0444.