New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

[thedukeryan]

Ok I was out side today working on some stuff when all of the sudden I hear my boat turning over. I run over to see whats up and it quits. I wait a few minutes and bam it does it again. It was just sitting there turning over for say 20-30 seconds. This time I disconnect the batteries as quickly as possible. I grabbed a can of RemOil and sprayed some in the ignition then cycled the key a dozen times or so. Then like with most things I am not sure about I beat it several times with a wrench thinking that maybe something was caught up. Next I hooked it up to a hose and fired it up just to make sure nothing was damaged. Fortunately the engine never started not sure why. Maybe cause the fuel pump never kicked on? Anyways the only thing I can think of is the ignition got stuck. What do you guys think & suggest? Below is a brief history on the boat.

1990 Wellcraft with 350 engine and Mercruiser outdrive
New starter
New alternator
New batteries
New ignition

When I say new I mean 6 months or less...

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Connections didn't get wet when you were out there with the hose did it? creating connections to touch with water(Conductor), Solenoid?

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

There is a good chance that thee ignition got some rain in it. It rained pretty hard yesterday and my boat was uncovered. Think it could be that simple?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Yes I do! Sounds like water was touching somewhere! dry it out and see if it gives you any more problems, whether by sun or what ever means, but ya I think it could be that simple.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Great... Ill make sure to pist what i find out. I am certain that some water got in it so we will see. I had to shake the crap out of the radio today just to get all teh water to poor out. After shaking all the water out and letting it dry out the radio is working just fine. Hope the same goes for my ignition. Could the random turn overs caused any damage? Any idea what may of prevented it form starting? Possibly the fuel pump not kicking on? The reason i ask is because that could be fatal to my engine etc if it randomly fired out unmanned and out of the water

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Could the random turn overs caused any damage? Any idea what may of prevented it form starting? Possibly the fuel pump not kicking on? The reason i ask is because that could be fatal to my engine etc if it randomly fired out unmanned and out of the water

I don't believe that any damage was done, I don't see why the fuel pump would kick on, did it olny happen when you were out side? or could it have also been doing it when you were'nt around too, If your not sure right now disconnect the battery until you have a chance to be out there working on her And ya let us know what you find out, too many people you try to help you don't hear anything back, That would be cool!!>>>>>>>>Pat

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Well its getting late so I decided to remove the batteries. Im going out tomorrow and hopefully will report back with good news.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Ya let us know!

 

[45Auto]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Any idea what may of prevented it form starting?

Just because the starter is spinning the engine doesn't mean the ignition circuit is live. Depending on where it shorted, the starter could easily be spinning the engine but the ignition won't be firing the spark plugs. Sounds like you may want to do a little waterproofing before you get it out on the water, a storm comes up, and it won't run because something is shorted out .....

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Ok I have a update. Today I hooked the battery up and tried turning it over... NOTHING. I removed the ignition and rusty water came dripping out. I put a new ignition in and still nothing. Turns out it had a bad starter solenoid. Replaced it with a new one that I already had and it fired right up. It has been fine since.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Cool Thanks for the Update, glad your back on your way!

 

[45Auto]

Re: New Question New Problem... Haunted Starter???

Below is a brief history on the boat.

1990 Wellcraft with 350 engine and Mercruiser outdrive
New starter
New alternator
New batteries
New ignition

When I say new I mean 6 months or less...

So your new ignition (less than 6 months old) was full of rusty water? And you had to put ANOTHER new ignition on it???? You may want to review your water-proofing and/or maintenance procedures before you get this thing out on the water ........