Heat Related? Starting Problem

[BartJ]

I have a 1998 SeaRay 21 bowrider. V8 Carburator . The boat does not get used very often. Only 150 hours. Deveoped a starting problem (alarm, but no click at all) last year after the boat had been running and turned off for a while, such as at anchor. It would start again after cooling down. The local marina replaced the starter and solenoid last year. Same thing thing happened. I found a great thread by Don S here telling how to trouble shoot this type of problem, but of course, did not have it with me yesterday when I started the boat for the first time this year. I got it to duplicate the problem, while at the pier this time. Thinking it might be the slave solenoid I switched that, but it still would not start. No click either. Again, after cooling down it started. So, I will take the thread by Don and see if I can't ID the problem It surely sounds like heat is causing something to lose contact and thought I would post here to see if anyone one has any ideas they might think of. Thanks.

 

[ringmaster72]

Re: Heat Related? Starting Problem

So, this has only happend when the engine is hot? I am assuming this is a Mercruiser???? If so, I have run into this problem with Chevrolet motors, it is fairly common. You can get a kit that will allow you to mount the solenoid away from the motor, it is basically a remote solenoid kit that will keep it out of the heat. I have put this on a 68 Camaro and a 89 Camaro I have had in the past and it cured the problem both times.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM-G1750&N=700+115&autoview=sku

 

[BartJ]

Re: Heat Related? Starting Problem

Yes, mecruiser. sorry about that. Here is the thing Ringmaster, when I got the problem yesterday I had the new slave solenoid handy and switched it out. It was cool and I stil got no click and no start. So, I am thinking maybe a bad slave solenoid ground? I will be able to test for that with the test light. Just wondering if there could be some other crazy heat related thing.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Heat Related? Starting Problem

Take a test light with you next time. If you can get it to not work, check the small yellow w/red wire at the slave sol with the test light while someone turns the key to the start position. If it does not light problem is most likely between there and the key switch (includes neut switch in control). If it does light but you have no click check the large red wire to the slave sol it should have batt+ voltage all the time. If not check the connection on the other end of this wire usually a breaker, could be loose or bad breaker. If ok hook the alligator clip of your test light to the pos batt terminal and probe the ground on the slave sol. it should light if you have good ground.

James

 

[BartJ]

Re: Heat Related? Starting Problem

Thanks James. I have the test light, just didn't have the sequence of tests provide by Don S in that old thread he posted. Sounds the same as you provided. I am hoping it is the slave solenoid ground and an easy fix. Seems to be pointing to that since the new slave I put on had the same problem and I am hearing no click.