primer solenoid click

[whiskerchasin]

suspecting my electric primer doesn't work i searched around iboats for a test that i could run.
kept finding "push in on key and listen for a click". I did this and my the solenoid does click, but not when the key is pushed in, but when i release pressure off the key and it comes back out is when i hear this click.

Is this right?

 

[Rick.]

Re: primer solenoid click

Not really. On mine you turn the key to on, push the key in and hear the click as you push the key in. I've not heard a click when letting the key out. Another way to test the primer is to remove the tubes coming off the primer at the carbs. or manifold (not sure what motor you have) and check for fuel flow as the key is pushed in. You will need to pump the primer bulb just prior to this test of course. Best of luck. Rick.
Edit: this may help as well. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=305323

 

[johnson89]

Re: primer solenoid click

be very carefull if you take the hose off the solenoid, those plastic barbs will break very easy, as stated before try too take the hose off at the carb

 

[whiskerchasin]

Re: primer solenoid click

Thanks for the replies guys.

Does the motor have to be cranking to test this?

 

[Rick.]

Re: primer solenoid click

No. Key turned to on not start. Rick.

 

[whiskerchasin]

Re: primer solenoid click

Rick thanks again.

well after doing this its confirmed that my solenoid is not working properly, or there is a problem in the wiring.

i also noticed there is a very small leak around the red switch on the solenoid.
I'm guessing its time to start looking for a replacement?

 

[whiskerchasin]

Re: primer solenoid click

to test the solenoid with the red lever in the MANUAL START position, would i just squeeze the primer bulb and fuel should be coming out of theses lines?

 

[Haffiman]

Re: primer solenoid click

Squeezing the bulb and turning the lever might be a way of testing that it is no leak when lever is in 'run' position.
If you only hear the click when releasing the key from 'push in' pos, indicates that the solenoid is in fact working, but not as strong as normal.
You hear the plunger retract due to the compressed spring, but it reacts too slow compressing the spring. Might be bad electric contacts or even blocked nipples for the small hoses reducing the flow and building pressure.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: primer solenoid click

A simple test for the primer solenoid. Make sure the red lever is in the run position. Pull the end of the primer hose off the hose barb on the top carb. Prime the hose bulb, turn the key to on, and push in on the key. You should get fuel pulsing out of the hose.

 

[Rick.]

Re: primer solenoid click

to test the solenoid with the red lever in the MANUAL START position, would i just squeeze the primer bulb and fuel should be coming out of theses lines?

I've never tried mine in the manual start position but what you said makes sense to me. Did you check for flow in the auto position. If it opens slowly it might just need some service. Opening slow it should still do it's intended job. It's a fairly simple mechanism to clean up. Rick.

 

[whiskerchasin]

Re: primer solenoid click

Yes i pulled the primer hoses off the top of both carbs, and pressed in on the key and there was no flow from either. Then i flipped the lever to manual start and pumped the bulb and there was still no flow.

I did notice on the opposite end of the lever the plastic is bubbled and soft in one spot, apparently from overheating.

 

[Daviet]

Re: primer solenoid click

With the lever in the manual position you should have fuel flow when you squeeze the primer bulb. Start checking fuel lines to the primer solenoid and see if you can find a restriction somewhere. If the fuel line to the solenoid is good, you might have to remove the solenoid and clean/service/replace it.