Dead in the Water

[AirForceOne]

I was boating on the lake today having a great time! I have a 1985 bayliner Capri 15 ft, with the 85 hp Force motor. We stopped and turned the boat off to sunbathe. An hour later we tried to start the boat and nothing! There was still power, as I turned the fish finder back on, and the horn worked? I could still hear the choke enguage when I pushed the key in to start? I'm thinking ignition or starter. Any Ideas? I checked all the fuses I could find.

 

[hoofbite]

Re: Dead in the Water

I'm no expert but had the exact same thing happen new solenoid solved my problems.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Dead in the Water

Dirty connections, weak starter, or solenoid.

 

[AirForceOne]

Re: Dead in the Water

Yea, it's headed for the shop tomorrow for winterization anyway! I figured it was something like that, but what do you do?

 

[87blf125]

Re: Dead in the Water

check the neutral safty switch

 

[AirForceOne]

Re: Dead in the Water

Where is the neutral safety switch located?

 

[MostlyHrmlss]

Re: Dead in the Water

You can test the solenoid by shorting between the two big terminals with something metal (screwdriver, wrench, etc): If it cranks, the solenoid is not pulling, which could be a bad solenoid, the ignition switch, wiring, or neutral safety switch. Use something you don't mind getting minor blast marks on, and watch your eyes.

On my 1978 and 1985 85hp's the neutral safety switch is on the starboard side, near the front, down low. Mine both have a little black box with a white button and two yellow wires going to it. Move the shifter and watch what moves in that area of the motor: there's a cam that presses the button when the shifter is near neutral. If this cam or the box got misaligned, the button wouldn't get pushed, and the solenoid trigger circuit is left open. You can bypass the switch by hooking both yellow wires to the same terminal, but it is a safety feature, so do it at your own risk.

 

[emoney]

Re: Dead in the Water

Not to be too simple, but check your battery too. It takes more amps to
start the motor than what the radio/etc. uses.

 

[milehighboater]

Re: Dead in the Water

If you are going to do a proper starting diagnosis then follow this order
-Check battery, take it in some where and have it tested. Most autoparts places will do that for free. It is possible to hold 12 volts but not have enough amps to turn a motor.
-check voltage to solenoid, this will be the two smaller wires. this will also weed out the neutral safety switch
-If there is still no go then it is the starter motor.
good luck

 

[87blf125]

Re: Dead in the Water

the safty switch is located on the motor by the shift and throttle linkage

 

[AirForceOne]

Re: Dead in the Water

Got it fixed! It was the shifter cable that had come undone.