225 Running without turning the key

[FAV453]

A little help on a 1998 225 johnson oncean runner. I have been using the boat all summer no problems. Last season I replaced port solenoid (solenoid tested fine on the bench) but it turned out to be the starter so that was rebuilt also at that time I had some connection problems at the batteries. This spring I did the starboard starter because it was starting to act up no problems since starting. So I started the boat up the other day and let the motors run for 5 minutes getting warmed up for a trip. I shut them down but I still heard a motor running like a bilge pump but louder. Well it turned out to be the starter spinning (key was out). So I turned the battery switch off starter obviously stopped. So with the key out I turned the switch on and the starter not only spun but the motor started up. No key no kill switch engaged. Flipped the battery off the motor kept running. I turned the fuel line off at the tank and it finally died. I though the ignition might be stuck on start so I disconnected the wiring harness to the key and again the motor started when power was applied. Later in the day I replaced the solenoind with the one from the port motor and it seemed to fix. Although the starboard solenoid seems fine testing it off the boat. What the heck is going on and what should I do to keep this from happening again?

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

Any takers? When I say the solenoid is good it opens a closes but it what tests can I run on the bench to tell if it is the problem? Resistence is negligible across the main, but what should to the measurment across the signal line should be?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

Sounds like the selenoid is defective again. It happens...Replace it and see how she goes...You are using OEM parts, correct?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

Did you use a genuine Bombardier starter solenoid, or did you try to adapt an automotive or aftermarket one?

The ignition system is "grounded out" when you turn the key off to stop the motor. It sounds like you have an open circuit between the black and the black/yellow wire. Because the key switch "grounds out" the ingition system, that is why the motor kept running when you disconnected the wiring harness.

Also have the charging system tested by a knowledgeable person according to the service manual. By turning the battery switch off while the motor was running probably damaged the regulator/rectifier on the top aft of the engine.

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

I have a manual so I will try to check the regulator/rectifier. The solenoids are probably original 586180 was the number on it. It the regulator/rectifier is bad how hard is it to change and at what cost?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

Answering your question about resistance. The control circuit should only need about 2 amperes; maybe less.

Since you swapped solenoids and it seemed to work, you proved that the problem is in the solenoid.

The high current contacts could be welded shut, but if so, the starter would have stayed engaged while the engine was running. You didn't mention whether that was or wasnot the case.

Otherwise, in diagnosing your malfunction, you'd (it would) have to short out the gnd side of the solenoid.....assuming it uses 2 control wires. If only one, it is already grounded (internally) to the mounting bracket.

Mark

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

You can tell if the rectifier is working by taking a voltage reading at the battery with the motor not running and then again with it running at fast idle (1500-2000 RPM's). If you see the voltage go up, the rectifier is working. The Rectifier/Regulator is part # 0586271 and costs about $220.00.....

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

Thanks for the replies.

Texasmark when I was having the problem the "bad" solenoid was running the starter motor all the time like the constacts were welded.

Another thing I think might be related: I understand from reading some other posts that the rectifier is connected to the tach operation. Well my tach for that motor has always "acted up" Usually tapping on it like the connection was loose seemed to work. But it would just jump up 500 rpm or so evey so often. Lately it has seem to be getting worse. Probably going to replace the rectifier anyway but I will run the voltage test.

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 Running without turning the key

I measured the voltage at the battery and it went up 1 to 2 volts when the motor was running. So the rectifier is still good or should I do further testing?