Can't get engine to turn over after changing ignition switch

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hotwls13

Seaman
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
Messages
72
I tried adding to a post I already had from a few days ago, but here is my problem:<br /><br />I have a new Starting battery, but when I hook up the ignition switch, I can't get the starter to engage. I have tested the wires. I have it hooked up as follows:<br /><br />Bat ----- Red hot wire from Battery<br />Ign ----- Purple wire from Coil (though this wire goes to a bunch of guages as well)<br />St ----- Yellow/Red stripe wire from Solenoid<br /><br />I have even tried jumping directly by hooking wires direct using test wires/lights. When I turn the switch, the test light/wires light up correct, but I don't get a start not even a click.<br /><br />I have verified the battery is giving 12v.<br /><br />I have Manually tested the starter by jumping it with a large screwdriver to - + of starter and it tried to start.<br /><br />I thought the coil was shot, so I replaced it. Didn't help.<br /><br />I got the boat from my father in-law and this is what happened to make him change the ignition switch. While out on the Lake he turned the ignition off, but the engine kept running. They had to pull the coil wire to kill it. They went about there business on the lake and did this about 4-5 times. He didn't mark which wires are which and now I am stuck trying to wire this thing and I feel like an idiot.<br /><br />Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
Boatin Bob

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Can't get engine to turn over after changing ignition switch

Do you have 12v right at the switch at the Batt connection, when you turn the key on do any of the gauges move, if this is a Cobra there is a 50 amp and then a 20 amp fuse in the circuit.
 
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hotwls13

Seaman
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
Messages
72
Re: Can't get engine to turn over after changing ignition switch

Sorry, I should have listed that stuff.<br /><br />This is a 84 Galaxie with a OMC 3.0 4cyl with a OMC Stern Drive. From what I have read, the engine is a chevy 4cyl 3.0?<br /><br />As far as 12v, yes I have a red wire that tests positive. With things hooked up the way I think they should be, I do get action at the guages. We did check the two inline fuses and they were good.<br /><br />Here is a little more in-depth about the wires disconnected under the dash:<br /><br />Red (Large guage): This I have tested to be hot when the battery is connected<br /><br />Purple: This also tests hot, this wire goes to just about all the guages. Even the hour meter, which I thought was weird due to it running whenever the battery is connected.<br /><br />Yellow with Red Stripe: I think this one goes to the Solenoid, when testing with a long length of wire and a toner, I got tone whenever touching the +battery, solenoid or coil.<br /><br />Orange Wire (Large guage): Jumps from fuse to fuse in the dash then I don't know where it goes. Couldn't get a tone off of it from any of the major players (Battery, coil, solenoid)<br /><br />2nd Orange Wire (Large Guage): This one connects to a main juction connector with a ton of wires, then disappears.<br /><br />One final note: The Red and Orange wires all look like they were crimped a long time ago, where the purple and yellow/red look like they are more recent.<br /><br />I am planning on taking this to the local boat place tomorrow, it would be great if I didn't have to pay them to figure this out. :)
 
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