Payback for leaving her for another.Quote:
Originally Posted by sicktc06
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Payback for leaving her for another.Quote:
Originally Posted by sicktc06
Just wanted to post an update. We were still having issues, so I replaced the ignition switch a couple of weeks ago. The boat did great the day we changed the ignition switch. Started up every time. We took the boat out today, and after putting in and driving over to our usual wakeboarding spot (about a 20 minute drive), we shut it off. About 15-20 minutes after turning the boat off, we tried to start it up, and starter wouldn't engage, which is what we were experiencing before. While we were sitting there, I stripped the wires to the ignition switch down in some small spots, to try and hotwire. I was able to get the beep, and the fuel pump to engage, but starter would still not engage. We just tried to keep the boat running the rest of the day, but shut it down a couple of times after that. No issues restarting those times. Almost like the boat has a mind of its own, and just starts whenever it wants to. Unless somebody has suggestions, I'm going to go ahead and check and see how much an ignition coil costs. Just replacing parts, at this point.
When the starter did not engage, I take it that the starter did not rotate and the voltage at the starter connection was zero. Did you do a voltage check at the solenoid at that point? You need to work your way from the starter back through the solenoid to the switch. I don't think there is any interlock in between. A loose connection on the starter cable will drop it out fairly quickly with some heat and discoloration.
could be a "dead spot" on your starter. If (when) it happens again, try tapping/hitting the side of the starter with a hammer or wrench or something while someone is holding the key to start. Another possibility is the starter solenoid may be going. If beating on the starter doesn't work, you could try jumping across the solenoid to see if the starter turns. Finally, or initially actually, you should remove and clean the wires on the starter and the ground wire to the engine block. Also, if you're handy with a volt meter, if you get another "no start" check and make sure you have 12 volts at the starter when the key is turned to the start position. If you have 12 volts there, and it ain't turning, you can figure on a starter or solenoid. It's not at all uncommon for starters to work intermittently before they eventually fail. Another method I've used to trouble shoot a starter, similar to using a volt meter, is to hook up a temporary test light. All you need to do is run a 2 lead wire, like a speaker wire to the starter. Hook one lead up to the red 12volt input on the starter, and hook the other lead up to the ground. Run that wire up under your seats to the helm. Grab any kind of 12 volt light bulb like a brake light bulb or trailer light or whatever and hook up the other end of the wire to that and temporarily zip tie it on or around the helm where you can see it. So, whenever you turn the key to start, the starter will be energized and so will the new test light. (just like using the volt meter mentioned above but this temporary test light is much more convenient). That way, if you get a no start condition but the light comes on, you know you have 12 volts to the starter. Conversely, if you turn the key to start, get a no start AND the light doesn't come on, then you're not getting 12 volts to the starter. Could be ignition switch, neutral safety switch, or whatever else is in the start circuit.
If you're problem is the starter not engaging, I would focus on that rather than ignition coils.
There is no action out of the starter when it fails to engage. I've yet to start checking the ignition system for voltage or continuity. I will check the connecting wires.
I don't immediately see the starter. Any idea where it is?
Found the starter. It is on the underside of the engine. It is somewhat accessible from one of the storage bays. I cleaned the terminals for the wire from the battery, as well as whatever else connects to the starter at that location. I wasn't able to remove the other two wires. for various reasons. One was a small, yellow looking one. The other was black, and appeared to be routed directly into the starter housing. I assume this is the ground? If this isn't the ground, can someone tell me where to find the ground to the engine block? Since I couldn't get all the bolts off, I just connected a light to the positive terminal, and then back to the negative terminal of the battery. The light is then lit. I'm not sure if this is accomplishing what was recommended above, though. The light was just a small LED, but it was drawing enough power, that the starter wouldn't turn the engine over. It would try, but just wouldn't get there. I removed the light, and the boat started right up. I'm leaving the storage bay beside the engine empty, so that I can get to the starter, if we have issues again. Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am planning on banging on the starter next time we have an issue. Not sure how well I can get to the starter, but I'm going to make an attempt. If anyone fan tell me where exactly I should be tapping the starter or solenoid, that would be helpful, too.