Slave solenoid

[CaptainGAP]

My 17 year old grandson acquired a 1987 Four Winns Sundowner 195 that needs restoration. It came with a Mercruiser 165 4-cylinder engine. According to the manual, it originally had a Delco Remy starter (1998460) and a slave solenoid. At some point, a previous owner installed a new starter (Arco 30456). The slave solenoid is missing and it appears that everything is wired directly to the starter solenoid. Is this OK or is it necessary to install a slave solenoid and re-wire everything ? P.S. Neither my grandson nor I know anything about boat wiring, but we're anxious to learn. Thanks !

 

[alldodge]

Using a slave solenoid(relay) just reduces the amount of current thru the key switch. It will work either way, but I do like using a relay

 

[Bondo]

Using a slave solenoid(relay) just reduces the amount of current thru the key switch. It will work either way, but I do like using a relay

Ayuh,..... Agreed,..... It's a long ways from the battery, up to the key switch, 'n back to the solenoid, on tiny wires,....
Usin' a slave solenoid gives ya good voltage, where, 'n when ya want it,....

 

[achris]

This might help you....

 

[CaptainGAP]

Thanks !

 

[kenny nunez]

The solenoid that goes on the starter is Arco # SW 981. I checked on their website and they are normally closed on Fridays and will probably be closed on the 4th. 850 455 5476.
When you talk to them be sure to ask which side of the solenoid does the yellow/red connect to from the wire diagram that Chris posted since it is not a Delco solenoid.

 

[achris]

The 2 small terminals should be marked, 'S' and 'I'. 'S' (start) has the yellow/red and 'I' (ignition) has the purple/yellow.

Chris...

 

[kenny nunez]

The slave solenoid is the grounded base style.
Mercruiser # 65057A1 or 54981
Sierra Marine# 18-5802
NAPA # A1A Echlin ST81
Some other auto stores may have them also but they must for Marine use.

 

[kenny nunez]

Be sure to disconnect the battery before connecting the wires. If the colored wires in the diagram are not cut connect them to the slave solenoid as in the diagram.
You will need 2 bolts 1/4” X 20 about 1/2” long to remount the slave solenoid.
Take a cell phone picture of the starter and wires and try to post it if possible.

 

[CaptainGAP]

I've ordered the slave solenoid. I'm waiting for it to arrive. The next time I go to my grandson's, I'll take a picture of the way the starter is currently wired and post it here for your review. Thanks again.

 

[nola mike]

The slave also supplies a full 12v to the coil while starting. Not as big a deal if you have an electronic ignition conversion but probably makes a difference with points.

 

[CaptainGAP]

Still waiting for new slave to arrive. In the meantime, I've taken pictures of the existing wiring of the starter solenoid and coil. The starter solenoid has one large red wire on the main post which I know comes directly from the battery. The second large red wire I believe goes to the circuit breaker (not sure). The smaller red/purple wire I believe goes into the wiring harness and up to the ignition switch (again, not sure). The orange wire goes to the regulator. The large black wire I suspect goes to the starter motor. The yellow-red wire goes to the tab on the starter solenoid and I suspect comes from the neutral safety switch. That leaves the small purple wire with either white or yellow stripe that's just dangling there, and the small black wire that's folded and taped to itself. What do I do with all this once my new slave comes in ? Also, the coil has four wires going to it. Does that seem right to you. Thanks again for your help.

 

[kenny nunez]

As for the coil look closely at the diagram that Chris posted as well as the starter wiring colors. I think that the wire mounting nuts on the starter are metric. Be sure to spray some penetrating oil on them before trying to wire in the slave solenoid.