1987 35hp Mercury Manual to Electric Start Conversion Kit

The 1987 35hp Mercury Manual to Electric Start Conversion Kit provides all necessary components to upgrade your manual pull-start outboard motor to convenient electric starting. This comprehensive kit includes starter motor, solenoid, wiring harness, ignition switch, battery cables, mounting hardware, and detailed installation instructions. Compatible with 1987 35hp Mercury outboard models, this conversion eliminates the need for manual pulling while maintaining original engine performance and reliability.

1. Kit Components 2. Pre-Installation Requirements 3. Installation Steps 4. Wiring Diagram 5. Battery Specifications 6. Testing & Commissioning 7. Troubleshooting 8. Maintenance 9. Safety Precautions 10. Warranty & Support

Kit Components

Complete electric start conversion package includes all essential parts for professional installation.

ComponentDescription
Starter Motor12V DC high-torque marine starter
SolenoidHeavy-duty 12V starter solenoid
Wiring HarnessPre-assembled marine-grade wiring with connectors
Ignition SwitchKey-operated marine ignition with start position
Battery Cables2-gauge positive and negative cables with terminals
Mounting BracketsStarter motor mounting hardware
Instruction ManualStep-by-step installation guide
Fuse Holder30-amp inline fuse for circuit protection

Pre-Installation Requirements

Essential tools and preparation needed before beginning installation.

  1. Marine battery: 12V, minimum 650 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
  2. Basic tools: Wrench set, screwdrivers, wire cutters, crimping tool
  3. Voltage meter for electrical testing
  4. Clean work area with adequate lighting
  5. Safety glasses and gloves

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wires before beginning work to prevent accidental starting.

Installation Steps

Step-by-step installation procedure for electric start conversion.

  1. Remove engine cover and locate manual starter assembly
  2. Install starter motor using provided mounting brackets
  3. Mount solenoid in dry, accessible location
  4. Route wiring harness following original cable paths
  5. Connect ignition switch to dashboard or control panel
  6. Install battery cables with proper terminal connections
  7. Connect all electrical components per wiring diagram
  8. Verify all connections are secure and properly insulated

CAUTION! Ensure all electrical connections are tight and corrosion-free.

Wiring Diagram

Battery Specifications

Proper battery selection and maintenance for reliable electric starting.

Remote: Minimum 12V marine battery with 650 CCA rating. Maintain proper charge level and clean terminals regularly.

Battery: Ensure adequate capacity for multiple start attempts. Charging: Use marine battery charger to maintain optimal performance. Connections: Keep terminals clean and tight to prevent voltage drop.

Testing & Commissioning

Final verification and testing procedures after installation.

  1. Verify battery is fully charged before testing
  2. Check all electrical connections for tightness
  3. Test ignition switch operation without engine start
  4. Perform brief starter engagement test
  5. Complete engine start and run verification

Tip: Test system with spark plugs disconnected initially to verify starter operation.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions for electric start system.

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Starter doesn't engageLow battery/connectionsCheck battery voltage; verify all connections are tight.
Slow crankingWeak battery/corrosionCharge or replace battery; clean all terminals.
Clicking sound onlySolenoid issueTest solenoid operation; check trigger wire connection.
No power to systemBlown fuseCheck and replace 30-amp fuse if necessary.
Starter runs continuouslyStuck solenoidReplace solenoid; check ignition switch wiring.

Reset: Disconnect battery and reconnect if electrical issues persist.

Service: Contact marine technician for complex electrical problems.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance schedule for electric start system longevity.

Monthly: Check battery terminals for corrosion. Quarterly: Test starter operation. Annually: Inspect wiring harness for damage.

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before performing maintenance on electrical system.

Safety Precautions

Essential safety measures when working with marine electrical systems.

Always wear safety glasses when working near batteries. Keep sparks and flames away from battery area. Ensure proper ventilation when charging batteries. Follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.

Warranty & Support

12-month limited warranty on all kit components. Technical support available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST. Contact: 1-800-MARINE-1 or visit www.marineconversionkits.com

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