Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

[HarryReid]

Is it possible to use a remote starter switch on a Volvo Penta AQ125A and how would I properly do so to test spark? I tried hooking up an Actron CP7853 Remote Starter Switch to the starter solenoid, but all it did was spin the starter motor without cranking the engine; I also had the key in the engine in the run position.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

but all it did was spin the starter motor without cranking the engine;

Ayuh,... I don't even know what a AQ125A looks like, but I'm guessin' ya hooked it to 2 of the wrong wires...
It should go from Power, to the Exciter wire terminal...

 

[Mullin]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

one side direct to battery power - other side to the solenoid terminal with the yellow/red-striped wire.

If you are not using an in-line tester then be sure to have the compartment extra well ventilated before watching the spark arcs. Check the coil wire for spark getting to the distributor and the plug wires for spark out of the dist.

 

[Mullin]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

I also had the key in the engine in the run position.

If you want to start the motor then have the key in the run position. If you want to just crank the motor then turn the key to off. I missed that part earlier.

 

[HarryReid]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

Your suggestion worked perfectly, thank you.

I just need to figure out why the spark is intermittent.

 

[Mullin]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

Well...it's supposed to be

Rule out the easy stuff first, like the spring loaded contact on the underside of the cap, inspect the points for excessive wear as well as the rotor and cap. When you checked the spark, blue or white spark is good, yellow orange and red are a weak spark and need a new coil.

Also the oil filled coils like this can start performing poorly when they get hot, but ok when cool.

 

[HarryReid]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

Lol - I should have been clearer. I do not get spark from the coil unless I rub the negative battery wire up and down the battery terminal, turning the engine over with the key in the run position does not produce spark. The coil shows 2.2 ohm resistance along the primary circuit and this circuit is getting 9V, which means a ballast resistor is present and appropriate. However, the points were replaced with an electronic ignition, HotSpark or Petronix, I'm really not sure as this boat is very new to me and so is engine troubleshooting.

I'm starting to suspect the electronic ignition as the coil is producing a nice blue spark when I cause the field to form and collapse by rubbing the negative battery cable along the negative terminal of the battery. I have also read, but am not really sure, that the electronic ignition needs 10V...

Four weeks ago this engine was running like a top, two weeks ago it started surging and now I can't get a spark properly... I'm completely at a loss here...

 

[RandyJ]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

I've never did an electronic ignition upgrade... but... if you've got the old parts (points & condenser) then swap them out to see if that solves the problem... if so, then you know where the problem lies.

 

[HarryReid]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

I traced the lack of spark to the 'HotSpark' electronic ignition, the thing is fried. I'm considering going back to points and a condenser, but I think buying another HotSpark would be easier than messing with dwell... any thoughts?

 

[Mullin]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

Hot-spark has a 3-year warranty, you might try giving them a call. I've been thinking of changing mine over to electric and leaving the points behind.

 

[HarryReid]

Re: Remote Starter Switch on AQ125A

For forty bucks I have replaced the failed electronic ignition with the original points systems and she is purring during idle - replaced the coil, rotor, spark plugs and wires as well. I'm ready to take her on a lake and see if there is a fuel system problem, at this point I think the problem is solved though!