70 hp no crank

[oommd]

After a great day getting beat up in the SF bay, motor firing up many times through the day , finally when we really needed to get off the water the the starter / solenoid stop cranking over.
Hard to describe if there was clicking , there was a lot of chatter coming from an hour meter under the dash ( ?).
I spent today trying to narrow the issue and have some questions , after reading a post on checking voltage on keyswitch and solenoid , all my measurements are fine.

But then I read the " OB wont start FAQ and now im confused:
<snip>
Does the solenoid click?
If yes, measure voltage at the starter terminal to battery ground with starter engaged.
If 12 V, repair or replace starter.
---is this suggesting you should NOT find 12 v at starter terminal when starter is engaged? ( I get one click when I put a fresh battery on it , and on first try, then second attempt nothing
If less than 9V measure voltage at large solenoid input terminal (from battery).
If less than 9V, go to 3.
If 12V, replace solenoid. <- this leads me to believe that 12v passing through is to much and fried the solenoid

Solenoid does not click when key is turned to start. Measure voltage at small solenoid terminal.
0 volts? Troubleshoot kill switch (lanyard connected?), battery, starter switch and neutral start switch in controller.
12 volts? Replace solenoid. <- this is saying 12 volts is to much?

Id like your guidance before I double check my voltages agian.
The keyswitch is fine and sending voltage ( 12.6) to the solenoid when the key is turned ( allthough killswitch is bunk, in or out it works)

Thanks , The sea bass are in the bay and Id like to get back out there !

 

[Fisherfield]

Re: 70 hp no crank

I had this same issue come up with my boat. I was getting a single click when turning over the key.

I took it to the shop..they charged 240 to replace a 12$ silenoid. Turns out these are the same ones used in a 71 ford pickup...just a friendly heads up there!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 70 hp no crank

do not use a FORD solenoid. it is grounded differently.
90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[oommd]

Re: 70 hp no crank

do not use a FORD solenoid. it is grounded differently.
90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney,

It WAS just connections !
At least until I test drive it Im going to say that all is well after a good cleaning of all the connections to the solenoid and starter and the ground to the case. I think that was it had some corrosion on the ground.
Thanks for the reply about jumping strait to the starter, did that and it fired up and so I was thinking it was the starter solenoid, but I put it all back together and tested it again and it fired right up! so im left thinking that all the harping about clean connections is from experienced guys. honestly I thought the dremel to shiny was a bit much , but I did it and now ill join the folks harping on that point.

Thank you!

White sea bass here I come!

 

[mikesea]

Re: 70 hp no crank

glad you have success.BUT ,FYI,on grounds,pay attention to where any terminal is crimped to the wire.Often,we clean up the terminal,shiny like u posted,with the same no good result.It is common that at the crimp site,the wire can corrode away after a while,but seem fine because the plastic coating covers the fact that the wire is non-existant.Another common problem with battery cables.Specifically the positive,what happens is ,the plastic coating gets a cut from abraision etc.the wire may sit in a wet bilge ,water ,a conductor ,usually contacts a ground and you get an electrolosis action.I cant tell you hom many times I have found NO wire left in a battery cable in an area with a SMALL cut in the coating.You may ge a sign of slow cranking,or intermittent.As tashasdaddy posted,connections are a big problem,look your wiring over occasionally,get a spray protectant,OMC coils often have ground problems in the way I explained ,especially the ones with a ground wire.Happy Boating.

 

[oommd]

Re: 70 hp no crank

Yes , i did think about that when I was in there.
Im planning on re-wiring those large cables since thats in my ability range and after reading about them corroding from the inside out. Also Ill be trying to get the battery in a box to keep the slat water from directly getting it wet, bought the rig from a lake fisherman and Im a salt water fisherman.
Got some crude ( red paste ) from auto store to paint the new connections with so my work should hold up alittle longer.
Thanks again for all your replies.

first time owner , longtime " grab that , get this " kid.