1982 omc 400 ss help please

alwaysblazn

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Jul 20, 2022
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I bougt a 1982 beachcraft 17' a few weeks ago and seems like I have been on this forum the majority of my freetime. I just got done replacing the water pump/drive shaft/seals and rings and the boat wont start with the key now. When I first got the boat it was doing the same thing, but that was due to my lack of research on the boat and not having the motor all the way down. Is there a sensor I'm not seeing? When I put it in gear it will engage in forward/reverse and spin freely in neutral. Coincidental if my starter relay went out at the same time because I can get it to crank if I bypass the starter solenoid. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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50,257
There is no sensor

You have a bad or multiple bad connections

Start by cleaning every connection from the battery to the helm and back

That is about 18 lug type connections, about 40 ring type connections and about 50 various other connections
 

alwaysblazn

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Jul 20, 2022
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I can’t find any info on the beachcraft besides a sales broshure. I’m just trying to identify what I have so I know what I’m working on. The only identifying marks I see are the
Capacity
Beachcraft 1982
170 e
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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50,257
I can’t find any info on the beachcraft besides a sales broshure. I’m just trying to identify what I have so I know what I’m working on. The only identifying marks I see are the
Capacity
Beachcraft 1982
170 e
Other than making sure the HIN and paperwork match, you have a boat with an OMC stringer in it

Boat brand means nothing to trouble shooting and fixing your issue.

If you are looking for a manual, it doesn't exist other than the OMC factory manual
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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3,331
With a test light and some help have them turn the key while you probe the small yellow/red wire on the boost solenoid. If the light comes on and there is no “click” then the solenoid is the problem. If no light then go to the ignition switch and probe the same color wire, if there is a light then the problem is in the control box neutral safety switch.
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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3,331
Just do as AD suggested with the electrical connections first. It does not take much to cause what you are experiencing.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Service the points. Won't fire if you didn't file the points, set the dwell (with a meter) and set timing
 

alwaysblazn

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Jul 20, 2022
Messages
6
I’ll take a look at the points and make sure I’m getting spark. It was running great before I rebuilt the lower. I guess when their old and nobody took care of em, it can just happen. Thanks again 🤙🏻 Always appreciated
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Messages
50,257
I’ll take a look at the points and make sure I’m getting spark. It was running great before I rebuilt the lower. I guess when their old and nobody took care of em, it can just happen. Thanks again 🤙🏻 Always appreciated
As points sit non-used for a period of 3 months or more, they oxidize a bit. That is the downside of points
 
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