Starboard Engine . . . no start . . .

[tpenfield]

My joy with my boat launch with the new swim platform was a bit short lived. When we got the boat to the harbor dock for a few minutes, the starboard engine would not start. It had started about 20 minutes before at the ramp, but suddenly would not start after sitting at the dock for a few minutes.

I went out to the mooring on one engine. Later this afternoon, I went out to the boat to see if I could figure things out.

There does not seem to be power to the starboard engine's gauges, and no 'click' or anything when I turn the key to the start position. The port engine is fine. I checked the neutral position on the shifter and that seemed fine.

I initially thought it may the be key switch, so I replaced it to no avail. My thoughts are maybe the kill switch, or possibly the solenoid it shorted out.

I was getting 12 volts to the key switch on the port engine, but not consistently getting 12 volts on the starboard engine. Sometimes it would be 12 volts, but more often it would be around 6 volts as I continued to test with the volt meter.

Anyway, I have another solenoid, but not another kill switch. I'm thinking to replace the solenoid and see if that makes a difference, but wanted to see if there is something else I can check/test/replace?

TIA for any help on this.

Engine specs are in my signature.

 

[achris]

Kill switch only kills ignition feed, gauges would still power up. Check for 12v on the B terminal of the key switch (big fat red/purple wire). If you have nothing there, check the 20A fuse... Still nothing? Instrument main cluster connector at the engine.

If you're still using those horrid 3AG glass fuses, check the ends for corrosion, and the contacts in the fuse holders (then replace them with a waterproof mini blade fuse holder and fuse)....

Chris....

 

[tpenfield]

Thanks Chris.

By process of elimination, it turned out to be the kill switch. I replaced the key switch, then the solenoid, checked the engine connector . . . finally went onto the kill switch and sure enough everything worked. It seems like it is always the last thing I check :facepalm:

Anyway, the kill switches are original to the boat (23 years old), so I'll get 2 to replace them both.

 

[achris]

Hey tpenfield

:facepalm: Read the diagram and looked the neutral safety switch.... :facepalm: Yes, kill switch DOES knock out the gauges. Sorry for the mislead...

Chris......... :facepalm:

 

[tpenfield]

No worries. I shorted out the kill switch for now. New parts should arrive on Tuesday.

 

[tpenfield]

Of course, now that I have the boat running, I am realizing that the batteries are not holding a charge like they used to. As a precaution, I bought 2 new Group 27 Marine batteries to replace the existing ones.

The current batteries are 7 years and 10 years old +/-. So, probably worth doing.