Did I screw this up?

[DUKE1]

Gents,

I was in the process of doing some work tracking down a possible ignition switch problem (my thread on that is "kill wire question") when I went to start the motor with one of the two blk/yel wires from the PP unpluged. As I was trying to start the engine I heard a buzzing noise, when it had just worked moments before. I plugged the blk/yel wire in and it still only buzzed. When I had someone else crank on the igniton, I felt the buzzing noise coming from the starting solenoid.

I used my dremel with wire brush and did all of my contacts on solenoid, starter etc..and there tight.

Battery is 12.7V
POS stud on Starter Solenoid is 12.6V

I checked the 20 amp fuse and replaced it..as whatever I did popped it. Still only buzzing/clicking.

I bypassed the solenoid and the starter turned the motor fine. I also noticed intermittent T&T issues...one minute it works the next it only makes the relays buzz.

Did I screw something expensive up? I'd appreciate to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
D1

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Did I screw this up?

You should repost the make and model in this thread for continuity.

 

[F_R]

Re: Did I screw this up?

I don't believe you screwed something expensive up. But you do have a wireing error someplace, or a loose / bad connection. Solenoid buzzing is a common problem when the battery cables are corroded or loose. Or the cables are broken inside. Or, the battery is dead. Recheck the obvious things first.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Did I screw this up?

I can't help you with the first problem but I can make a suggestion on the tilt and trim problem. Go out and buy you a couple of new relays for the tilt and trim I had that intermitent problem with mine and struggled for days cleaning wires and checking connections. I bought 2 new relays at $11 each and cured the problem, then I figured out which one was bad and tossed it in the garbage and kept the other for a spare.

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Did I screw this up?

Thanks for the feedback so far. My motor is a 1999 Johnson 225 V6 Looper.

I was hoping that I didn't mess up something expensive like a rectifier or PP etc. I just traced down all the control wires coming from the key switch. The red plug I got with my harness wasn't so good so I cut it off and went point to point on the wires.

The motor was cranking fine until that one blk/yel wire was out and I cranked it. The battery is new, and I even put another new battery on it @ 13.3V and it still did the same thing.

I bypassed the solenoid to check the starter and it rotated fine. Could it be the solenoid? I've been reading this site long enough and know all connections need to be Bright and Tight...mine are. I know the solenoid should make a loud "click" when it cycles..but this is more of a "grrrrrrring" noise or a harsh buzzing. It doesn't sound to healthy to me.

Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated.

D1

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Did I screw this up?

Your description does sound like the solenoid is a problem. They are not that espensive.

 

[F_R]

Re: Did I screw this up?

OK to avoid embarresment, lets say it could be the solenoid. That'll be a CYA protection for me. But:

Go buy a solenoid if you want to, but that probably isn't the problem. That is further verified by the trim solenoids doing the same thing. You indicate that you have a voltmeter. Use it to troubleshoot the circuits by checking voltage drops. My best guess is that you have a bad ground. I'd continue to guess that it is a bad negative battery cable or connection (remember, it could be at the motor end instead of the battry end).

Solenoids buzz because you energize it and that makes the connection to the starter. The high current required by the starter causes a voltage drop across wherever the problem is. That results in de-energizing the solenoid, breaking the connection to the starter, which removes the high current load and voltage drop across the fault. Then because the voltage drop is gone, the solenoid instantly re-energizes, starting the cycle all over again. Result: a buzz as it repeatedly energizes and de-energizes. (Did I say that right? At least I understand what I'm trying to say even if nobody else does)?

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Did I screw this up?

FR-there's a reason your an Admiral...your right it wasn't a solenoid. I did that isolation test on it, and it tested out fine...and from what I'm told it proves I do have a bad ground. I think I found the problem...I wasn't aware that there was more than one "red plug" for this motor. I found another one in the battery box that looks like it needs some love...so I'll do that..clean it up etc.

I'll post back after I clean it up. Thanks again.

D1

 

[gss036]

Re: Did I screw this up?

Duke. did you get the problem solved for sure?

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Did I screw this up?

GSS036,

Not yet...It's back to work for the week..but on my next weekend I SHOULD have it done. It's kicked over for me several times (sounds good) but I still have the ground issue. This process has taught me a lot about this motor. While it's been frustrating at times...it's the best way to learn and get confidence. We'll do some fishing when it's done.

Regards,
Duke

 

[gss036]

Re: Did I screw this up?

Good to hear. That is how learned to work on my Mercury, along with an OEM Marc manual. But now will need to learn about my new Honda if it ever gets here. It comes with a 5 year warranty which is a boost.
I found a buyer for the blown Merc 200 hp.