Ignition Questions

[Mamier]

1985 MerCruiser 260 (5.7). 275 original hours. Engine runs great. But. When the engine is cold, I turn the key and get nothing for about 7 seconds, then the starter engages. Once the engine is warmed up, turn the key and no problems. Any Idea?

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition Questions

Start slave solenoid, starter solenoid, poor connections. Some times poor connections take some time to "Burn" together to make a connection.<br />Time to start checking before that burn becomes a fire.<br />Just hold the switch on till it cranks and feel for hot spots.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ignition Questions

oh come on don. we all know the slave solinoids never fail. just like stators never had problems on the outboards <br /> go with what DonS is telling ya. and search for the post on the starter circuit he put up. if ya dont have a DVM get one and we will walk ya though its use. you can get a nice one that will do anything ya wish at radio shack for less than 30 dollars or so. get a digital with auto ranging. my german buddy otto is my friend .

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition Questions

and search for the post on the starter circuit he put up.

You will have to use the methods while the start system is malfunctioning, not after it starts, but here is the post rodbolt was refering to.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012808;p=1#000000

 

[Mamier]

Re: Ignition Questions

Wow, lots of information. Thanks. Being the non mechanical type tha that I am, I think I'll let the mechanic take a look at this when the boat is winterized. Hey DonS, in your expert opinion, what would a mechanic do to winterize a boat thats going to remain in the water? THanks so much.

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition Questions

First of all, I lived between Tachoma and Anacortes for 10 years, so don't even try to tell me it doesn't freeze there...... It does. (yea, I read your other post)<br />Next thing is WHY are you keeping the boat in the water. If it's to save money on storage, that is a false economy, and will likely cost you thousand$$$$$ more in the long run.

 

[Mamier]

Re: Ignition Questions

The marina is on Lake WA in Seward Park. The marina manager says lots of folks leave their boats in through the winter as they've never seen a freeze (ice) there. <br /><br />I was going to pick up a used trailer and put it in covered storage....hmm. I take it from your tone, best to haul it and store it. So if its out of the water, whats the procedure for winterizing?

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition Questions

I'm not going thru all the details, but you need to check the drive and the bellows for water, lube, zirks, change engine oils and filters, drain or antifreeze the raw water side of your cooling system, fog the engine and lots of other little things. Being in the water causes more corrosion, possibility of more water leaks (bellows etc.) unlike the straight inboard boats.<br />Do a search on this site for winterizing, and prepare for lots of reading.

 

[Mamier]

Re: Ignition Questions

Took your advice on reading up on it. Looks like I'll be hauling it out in November. It will be properly stored, winterized and preserved for the winter...thanks for the eye opener Don.