#@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

[texanaustinite]

$#!* I think the starter motor went out due to what I think is a bad ignition switch. I noticed it last week that the ignition stayed in the "start" position for a little while, until I put it in "run". I just forgot to check into it deeper.

I was running the engine (with water) for a bit to see what the idle speed was. I ran it in forward idle for a few minutes to let it warm up a bit before running it in neutral. I stupidly went to the truck to clean out some of the kids' toys and shoes, took maybe two minutes. I looked at the boat and it was smoking. Ran over to turn the engine off, and it turned off a split second before I turned the key.

I waited until the smoke cleared and could see smoke coming from the starter motor. I waited for about 10 minutes before attempting to start it again. All I got was a clicking sound.

Also the instruments (fuel gauge, temp gauge, oil pressue gauge, voltage meter) are now powered on. I disconnected the wiring to the ignition switch and to the engine kill switch to see if they would turn off but they stayed on. They only powered off when I removed the negative battery cable. Would this also have something to do with the starter motor?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

$#!* I think the starter motor went out due to what I think is a bad ignition switch. I noticed it last week that the ignition stayed in the "start" position for a little while, until I put it in "run". I just forgot to check into it deeper.

I was running the engine (with water) for a bit to see what the idle speed was. I ran it in forward idle for a few minutes to let it warm up a bit before running it in neutral. I stupidly went to the truck to clean out some of the kids' toys and shoes, took maybe two minutes. I look at the boat and it was smoking. Ran over to turn the engine off, and it turned off a split second before I turned the key.

I waited until the smoke cleared and could see smoke coming from the starter motor. I waited for about 10 minutes before attempting to start it again. All I got was a clicking sound.

Also the instruments (fuel gauge, temp gauge, voltage meter) are powered on. I disconnect the wiring to the ignition switch and to the engine kill switch to see if they would turn off but they stayed on. They only powered off when I removed the negative battery cable. Would this also have something to do with the starter motor?

It should not......
There should be 12v at the red wire on the switch at all times, there should only be power the gauges & such with the key in the srart or run position......
I think I'd start looking for some creative wiring by the previous owner or some wire chafing......
If the starter re-engaged from a faulty solenoid or wiring, I would think it would have made a horrific noise....
Time to get in there with a dvm & start testing.....

 

[texanaustinite]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

I first noticed the ignition being stuck in "start", last week while I was testing the spliced ground cable. I ran the boat on the lake for a few minutes and then stopped. When I placed the throttle in neutral, I heard the grinding. When I put it forward idle, it stopped. I did it twice before I checked the ignition and sure enough, it was still in "start". Put it in "run" and all was well. I also recall hearing a the grinding for a split second when I was backing out of the ramp and shifted quickly from reverse to forward as it passed through neutral. At the time, I just thought it was a fan belt squeal.

The only thing I can think of now is that I ran it in forward idle longer than I had run it last week on the water before I noticed the ignition issue. Long enough for it to over heat and lock up. I don't think there was any creative wiring involved.

Anyway, now I have the tedious task of removing the starter, which I will attempt tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[wire2]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

The fact that the start function ceases when not in neutral indicates that the problem is in the start switch, not the starter or solenoid. The shifter neutral lock out is disabling it.

You say you had to "put it in run...", was it mechanically stuck in the "start" position? Some lithium grease from a spray can will fix that.

Spray lots in there, it won't harm wire insulation or affect electrical contacts. With a battery cable off, spray it, then cycle the key from "off" to "start" several times. It should free up noticeably. If not, replace the key switch.

Oh yeah, Good Luck.

 

[texanaustinite]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

It was mechanically stuck in the "start" position. Whatever the problem was, I'm going to replace the starter (since its toast) and the ignition switch (since I should've paid a bit more for a brass one instead of the cheaper plastic one). Thanks for the good will.

 

[MercFan]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

At a guess the contact plates in the ignition switch might've moved during all this. Now "off" is still "on".

While you're getting the starter motor sorted, replace the ignition switch as well.

 

[texanaustinite]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

New starter, new ignition switch... working fine. Thank God!!!!!!!!

Guy at the store where I bought the faulty ignition switch said he's going to contact the manufacturer and maybe, just maybe, I might get reimbursed for the new starter. Here's hoping.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

Glad to hear your happy result......​

 

[thrasher]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

Now for the nasty question.. Did you get a marine starter motor? Marine starters have additional screening to prevent ignition of any fuel vapour in the bilge when you start the engine..

Gary

 

[texanaustinite]

Re: #@$%! Ignition Switch Killed Starter Motor

Now for the nasty question.. Did you get a marine starter motor? Marine starters have additional screening to prevent ignition of any fuel vapour in the bilge when you start the engine..

Gary

Yes I did. Thanks everyone, for your help.