Engine Automatically Starts

[muscmkr]

I have a weird problem. When I turn on the battery switch my engine starts. I have completely disconnected the ignition switch, so I know the problem is NOT the ignition switch. The boat is a 2000 Four Winns 248 Vista with a 5.7L GS Volvo Penta. Are there any starter relays or could this be a problem with the alternator, coil, distributor? Nothing has been changed or modified to have this problem just start happening. This happens cold so it is not a run-on issue either. It is some kind of electrical issue like there is a relay causing it but I don't see any.

 

[scr350]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

i would say your positive cable is touching your starter engagement wire down at the starter. worth a look anyway.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

I believe the Volvo's use a relay instead of a slave solenoid. Possible a stuck relay.

 

[muscmkr]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

My problem is that I don't see any relays anywhere and I don't see any on the diagrams but the problem clearly acts like one. Thanks for the suggestion on the positive lead touching. I did check that but definitely worth another look. The problem is that this doesn't happen all the time which leads me to believe something in the way of a sticky relay. I just need someone to tell me where it is if there is one because it isn't anywhere that I can see it. thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Look around the fuel pump. There should be 2 relays side by side. One is start, one is fuel pump. The start relay had yellow/red wires going to it. Remove that relay and turn the battery switch on. If the engine doesn't start, then you have to start checking voltages at the relay socket.
Get a full model number for your engine and I should be able to find a diagram and explain it to you.

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Sounds to me like you've got yourself a ghostship.

 

[muscmkr]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Don, thanks I will check that out. Definitely sounds like what I needed. howlnmad, yes it is a bit of a ghost ship.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Well, you are in Tampa - maybe ol' Jose' Gaspar himself!

 

[muscmkr]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Don S, I found a relay on top of the fuel pump. That wasn't the right one but in tracking it down I found the other one is behind the 50 amp fuse case along with two other fuses. I am convinced this is the problem because i shorted the yellow/red to red and with the battery on the engine tries to start. I replaced it with one from NAPA because I couldn't find a volvo part # for the one I have anywhere and I paid $8 compared to who knows what from a boat dealer. Thanks for your help. Hopefully it is really fixed.

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Engine Automatically Starts

Glad you have the problem rectified.
KUDOS for using an auto part to fix the boat. Some stuff has GOT to cross.
My local Napa has a belt gauge. I'll be taking my serpentine belt there to get a cross reference.

Steve