1988 Baretta Success electrical issue?

[biggziff]

I've acquired a 1988 Success with the 140 Volvo/275 Penta outdrive. It wouldn't turn over (bad starter) so the owner replaced the starter. I can get the motor to turn over by shorting the solenoid with a screw driver, but the key won't make the starter turn. When you turn the key on, all the lights come on and all the dash switches activate the various items, but turning the key to the start position does nothing. I do notice a yellow light on the dash dim very slightly when the key is turned, but other than that nothing happens...no clicks nothing. We have tried moving the throttle controls around, but it didn't help.

Anything that comes to mind?

thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1988 Baretta Success electrical issue?

While this is an electrical issue, you should post questions about your I/O in the applicable I/O forum. You get much more accurate info there. This electrical forum is for trolling motors, boat electrics (not engine electrics) accessories etc. But since you are here, have someone turn the key to START while you check for voltage at the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid. Very likely there is no voltage there so the line between the solenoid and the ignition switch is not complete. Could be a bad or misadjusted neutral start switch, poor connections, bad ignition switch. I really doubt it's the ignition switch but you can check that as well with a voltmeter. Again have someone turn the key to STARt while you check for voltage between the "S" terminal on the switch and a good ground.

 

[biggziff]

Re: 1988 Baretta Success electrical issue?

While this is an electrical issue, you should post questions about your I/O in the applicable I/O forum. You get much more accurate info there. This electrical forum is for trolling motors, boat electrics (not engine electrics) accessories etc. But since you are here, have someone turn the key to START while you check for voltage at the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid. Very likely there is no voltage there so the line between the solenoid and the ignition switch is not complete. Could be a bad or misadjusted neutral start switch, poor connections, bad ignition switch. I really doubt it's the ignition switch but you can check that as well with a voltmeter. Again have someone turn the key to STARt while you check for voltage between the "S" terminal on the switch and a good ground.

Thanks for the advice on the boat and the forum. Much appreciated!

 

[biggziff]

Re: 1988 Baretta Success electrical issue?

Update...

I jumped the neutral switch and the starter now spins with the key. Progress.

No spark at this point. I have voltage at the negative side of the coil when the key is on. 150 + PSI on all 4 cylinders. The distributor cap hold down screws are frozen in place. I tried to pull the distributor, but it wasn't coming out so I shot the 2 screws for the cap with some PB Blaster type stuff and will try again tomorrow. I'm assuming that new points and condenser will remedy the no spark condition, but not sure. Is there a way to test the coil using a VOM?

Thanks

 

[biggziff]

Re: 1988 Baretta Success electrical issue?

It's running

I pulled the distributor today after snapping off one of the distributor cap screws (they were seized with rust). Drilled that out and re-tapped it, cleaned everything, check and cleaned up all the electrical connections (many of which were lightly corroded),etc. Tried to find a new cap/rotor/points/condenser but they're only available online and man...big bucks! $40 for the condenser alone!!! I decided to put it all back together with the old parts as the cap and rotor looked like new inside. Got spark, but no fuel...primed the mechanical fuel pump with a short piece of line run to a 5 gallon can in the boat and in about 30 seconds it fired up and idled perfectly.

Borrowing a set of muffs for the water inlets on the outdrive so I can warm it up and check the timing.

Thanks for the help!