Ignition Delay - Mercruiser 1997 Bravo One w/ 454 Mag (carbed)

[gibbywmu2000]

Hi All,

Been having a goofy thing going on since last summer. About every time, mainly after the boat has been sitting a while, and I turn the key switch, the boat will not start (or crank over) for several seconds. I've been researching up on things, and I've definitely cleaned all the battery terminals and the batteries are fully charged. Batteries are only 1 year old for that matter. When I'm out riding around, and I stop in the middle of the lake and set for a few minutes, it turns over with no delay at all?

Now, I did replace the key switch last summer so that should be find, and the batteries are fine. Would anyone think I would simply replace the starter and/or starter solenoid and be good to go? I need to fix this soon, as I'm afraid one day I'll stop in the middle of the lake and not be able to crank it over at all!

Maybe this would work? Any suggestions on testing would be very helpful!

http://www.iboats.com/Starter-Solen...3263627--session_id.797217392--view_id.344691

 

[Bt Doctur]

might try replacing the "slave solenoid" first

 

[alldodge]

Agree with BTdoc, find the slave solenoid and then make a 12 AWG jumper. The next time it does it turn key to on and then jump across the two top large terminals. If it cranks over you found your issue. Writing is the pic is not the post I'm talking about, they are the larger ones on top

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I'd think the 1st thing to do, before throwin' Parts at it, is to finish Cleanin' the startin' circuit Terminals, 'n wirin' ends,....

Includin' the Grounds,.....

The battery cables have 2 ends,... you only cleaned one,.....

And at the solenoids, 'n starter,...

 

[Fun Times]

Maybe this would work? http://www.iboats.com/Starter-Solen...3263627--**********.797217392--view_id.344691

Just as a confirmation should you find this part to be the culprit, the one you linked above is the correct matching aftermarket part number to the OEM part number 809463A1. http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...7873.png&inbr=2345&bnbr=2&bdesc=STARTER+MOTOR

Performing a voltage drop test to all your power cables and wires might be in your near future. http://www.bing.com/search?q=A+volt...nversationid=261337F3575B44F7814FBC3424E98977

 

[gibbywmu2000]

Thanks everyone for posting! Can anyone let me know exactly where starter is on my engine? I see the slave solenoid,and I know exactly where that is....just not familiar with the starter itself. Looks like I need to clean that for sure, before I start buying parts.

 

[Fun Times]

Can anyone let me know exactly where starter is on my engine?

The starter is in the lower rear starboard side of the boat/engine. If facing the front of the engine standing in the boat, it's now on your left side to the lower rear. Just below/to the right of the serial number tag like in the photo below.

 

[Bondo]

Looks like I need to clean that for sure, before I start buying parts.

Ayuh,.... 'n don't forget the Ground,.....

The other end of the battery ground cable oughta be mounted on a stud in the flywheel cover, just aft of the starter,....

Unfortunately, the cover ain't in place in FT's picture,....

 

[alldodge]

For clarification, where exactly am I jumping? I see the yellow/red wire from the ignition switch (right on that slave solenoid I believe). No where am I jumping? In my actual starter switch to another wire? Or another wire here on the slave solenoid?

Your jumping between the two terminals below

 

[gibbywmu2000]

Hey Dodge.......just to confirm, if they key is "on" (not turned all the way right to "start"), and I take the 12AWG wire and jump across the slave solenoid, and it starts to crank over, then that means the slave solenoid is bad correct?

 

[Bondo]

Hey Dodge.......just to confirm, if they key is "on" (not turned all the way right to "start"), and I take the 12AWG wire and jump across the slave solenoid, and it starts to crank over, then that means the slave solenoid is bad correct?

Nope,.... The slave is energized only by the Start circuit,.... the yellow/ red wires,...

With the key held to Start, yer test is valid,.....

In the "On" position, only the purple ignition wires are powered,....

 

[alldodge]

Agree with Bondo, but if you jump the terminals with the key just in the ON position (after you tried to start and it wouldn't ) you can jump those terminals and it should crank the motor. If it does crank over then its either the slave solenoid or the key switch. Most often its the slave solenoid

 

[gibbywmu2000]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give a big thanks to everyone that posted to my problem! I bought a new slave solenoid on Amazon for $15 (saved big $$$ vs the mercruiser brand and I'm sure it will be fine). It was a perfect fit and it solved the problem! Was an easy fix too!

I did what everyone said as far as jumping across those terminals. The boat started to crank over immediately! I was pretty sure it wasn't the starter. Too bad I didn't realize this last year when I bought brand new boat batteries for nothing! Haha. Live and learn right??

Anyway, thanks again. It people like you that save us consumers so much money in repairs with the help that we receive from the boating forums and the internet!!!

 

[surfsalterpath]

Thanks for this thread. Our 1996 75hp Force engine pontoon boat is doing the exact same thing. Delayed start off and on for about a year and then...... we got stranded and we jumped across the 2 big nuts as pictured above and did not have to CALL usBoat for a tow. Whew!!!! Yea!!!! Just ordered the selonoid off amazon for ~$23. Hope this is the fix we are looking for.

http://www.amazon.com/STARTER-SOLEN...mr0&keywords=1996++75+hp+force+slave+solenoid

Thanks guys!!!! Appreciate the help!!!

 

[surfsalterpath]

.......well for the record the slave solenoid was not my issue. The "neutral safety switch" wires (both going and coming were crimped together in a female spade fitting and had corroded. Engines starts perfect now every time! Yea! Usually the simple fixes are the fix! Oh my!