1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

[Rogue I]

Hello,

I have a 1997 225 Oceanrunner; 90 hrs on rebuilt powerhead. All ignition components double-checked by 3rd party mechanic before the season started.

She runs strong, and has done so since I splashed the boat in June. About a month ago, I came down to the boat in the morning and found someone had knocked the throttle into gear. When I put her in neutral and tried to start the engine, I got the horn that sounds when I turn the key, but the starter would not engage. NOTHING happened. I trimmed up and down, still nothing. Left it for about an hour, came back and cranked her. She started right up. Ran great for weeks.

This same thing happened again about 2 weeks later. For no reason, when I went to crank her, NOTHING happened. I waited again, trimmed up/down, came back and she started right up.

Sunday, I didnt bother priming the fuel bulb before choking, thinking she was warm enough to not need it. Engine cranked but didnt start. I primed the bulb, came back to the key and turned it. NOTHING. I trimmed up/down, left it for 2 hours, came back. Still NOTHING. I then had to leave the boat and have not been able to go back since. Will be going back this weekend.

What is causing this? I assume it's probably just a simple electrical issue? Neutral safety switch issue? What should I do to problem solve/fix this?

I only have a month of season left up here in Maine, and I dont want to be high and dry.

Thanks all!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

dirty or loose connections, weak battery, would be my 1st choice.

 

[Rogue I]

Re: 1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

Batteries are good, so I dont think that's it.

In terms of connections, what connections should I check?

Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

Rogue - There is a switch in your control box that prevents the engine from starting unless you are in neutral. Jiggle the throttle a tad when your condition happens and I bet you will find the sweet spot where it starts. It is also possible that the switch is hanging up or needs to be replaced.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

check the battery terminals, the connections on the solenoid, and starter, also check your battery cable very carefully, the smallest nick, can cause them to deteriorate from the inside. i chased a problem like this for several weeks, and finally found a cable had corroded from the inside out.

 

[Rogue I]

Re: 1997 225 Rude wont turn over???

Okay thanks! Is there anything I should be checking at the ignition switch or neutral safety switch?