Shut Engine Off While in FWD

[bikemtn]

I shut off the engine while in forward and now it will not start. Could some kind of shift interrupt switch cause the motor now not to start? Solenoid just clicks.




1988 3.7l mercruiser alpha one

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

You are not giving much info. Is it cranking? Doest just crank and not turn on?
If its not cranking you might have caused hydrolock.

 

[dpospres]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

If you were moving along at any speed, it is possible the water pushed back up into the engine and hydrolocked it. Pull the spark plugs out and try to turn it over......hopefully that's not the case though.

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

It does not crank....solenoid just clicks.
I checked for hydrolock....no water in cylinders....flywheel turns with ease.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

It turns with the spark plugs in or out?

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

I took the plugs out and put a dandy little fluid vacuum in the cylinders to see if any water was in the cylinders...no water. Turned the flywheel with a socket and all seemed ok. Kept the plugs out...turned key to start and solenoid clicks. I am thinking that my stater is bad, but all was ok until I shut the motor off while in gear. Thank God for kickers or I would still be rowing back to the launch.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

do you have a circuit breaker that may have tripped?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Which solenoid clicks? The one on top of the starter or a slave solenoid? Have you checked voltages and are your connectuions at the battery and the starter all tight?

I would just start troubleshooting with the basics at first. Very possible that turning it off going forward has nothing to do with it. How fast were you going when you turned it off?

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

I have the little red button curcuit breaker....checks out ok...I have power to the starter, etc
Checked all connections and tested slave solenoid...all checks out.
Next step is to test the starter by jumping at the stater solenoid itself.

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

I was almost stopped when I turned off...I actually thought I was in neutral, then I heard the prop still turning the drive shaft.

Sounds to be the slave slave solenoid clicking....

I am thinking that this is not related to be in gear, but you never know....start could just be out. Voltages check out, etc......

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Moving while turning off the engine is not your issue...besides...you already determined that by being able to turn your engine by hand.

Check your voltages while actually trying to start. A high resistance connection will show voltage is good under no load.

 

[flargin]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Just want to confirm, you did return the shift to neutral correct?

(sorry if this is too basic, but had to ask)

 

[searay3]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

#2 in the adults only sticky. You'll need a test light or voltmeter.

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Yep....back in neutral. It is the starter. I ran through all the tests last night. Slave solenoid checks out ok...stater still will not crank. I jumped it at the starter solenoid...nothing. Tapped on the starter solenoid and it barely cranks. Pulling starter off soon. Bolts are a b*&tch to get to.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Has the starter ever been submerged in water? Only takes one time to ruin it.

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Never been submerged in water, but it is also 21 years old

 

[kgross]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Sounds to me a lot like your starter is bad. But you can check it with voltages. It will take 2 people one to engage starter while one checks the voltage on the starter.

Kim

 

[bikemtn]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Just a follow-up.....
Pulled starter....bad. Bought a new solenoid, replaced brushes, and cleaned and greased the whole assembly.....under $50. Works like a champ.

 

[flargin]

Re: Shut Engine Off While in FWD

Sweet. great to hear what it took to resolve problems. Many times you never know. Thanks.