Engine won't crank - at times....

[Glastron 175]

4.3L engine wont crank at times. Battery guage shows 12V. Sometimes if I keep trying it eventually will crank and starts without any problem. Once started, it runs great.

Engine is a '98 with approx 80 hrs on it.

I'm sure this could be a number of things.

If I have a bad ignition switch, will it work intermittant or quit altogether?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

4.3L what? Could be the switch, slave solenoid or relay (depends on engine), or starter solenoid. Don S has a thread about this exact problem. Search for it.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

I'll save ya the search......Courtsey of Don S

http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=24;gtid=1104170

 

[Road Head]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

My boat is similar, Ive narrowed it down to gas availability.

When cold, I pump the throttle a couple times, then push the throttle forward so Im just barely giving it gas (prop disengaged) and it starts right up.

When hot, I push the throttle forward (no pumping) so Im just barely giving it gas (again, prop disengaged) and it cranks right up.

Any other scenario, and I can just crank and crank, but motor never actually catches and fires. I thought I was having battery problems, or a faulty ignition or ground wire, but Im pretty sure that it just needs gas. I do not know if this is your problem, but it may be worth a shot.

 

[Glastron 175]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

Thanks for the thread Reel.

Road - I can't even get the engine to crank at times. Once it cranks, it's starts right up.

 

[Glastron 175]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

It's a Volvo Penta. I think I'm going to purchase a test light a start with the ignition switch.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

It's a Volvo Penta. I think I'm going to purchase a test light a start with the ignition switch.

Before you going throwing Parts at it,.........

Take apart All of the Wiring Ends of the Starting Circuit,+ Clean them,.... Shiny Clean.......Bright Metal,...... With Sandpaper........
That's the Battery Terminals,.... The Other End of those Wires,.... Any Solenoids,....... All of them..........
And,... Don't forget the Ground side of the equation,...... Clean All of them too......

If that doesn't Cure your Problem,..... Then start looking at the Parts,+ See which piece Isn't passing the Power.....................

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

I had the exact same problem when my boat was new to me. I would turn the key and nothing would happen. I would do it again and it would start. After checking all conections (esp. grounds) I chased it down and it ended up being the starter relay. Your engine is one year newer than mine, but if it's similar the relay is under the box with the two 50A breakers in it attached to the starboard riser. ( the front comes off of the box without having to remove the riser bolts ) It is a Hella waterproof relay and I had to order it. Here's a <A HREF=http://volvopentaparts.stemtostern.com/VolvoDiagrams/ShowAssembly.asp?ID=gr980664>link</A> to some part numbers (it's #8). Looks like you may only have one 50A breaker based on the diagram. Good luck!

 

[Glastron 175]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

wow bjcsc this looks very helpful. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Glastron 175]

Re: Engine won't crank - at times....

Replaced relay switch and boat cranked everytime this weekend - Thx bjcsc 8)

Now if I can only get the boat to stay running while idle after starting :'(