starter / ignition switch diagnosis

[tystick]

When turning the ignition switch to start, it seemed to be tempermental.I have to turn off then on sometimes several times to turn / start engine. Sometimes it turns / starts on first turn...Sometimes it would turn and sometimes nothing. so i replaced the ignition switch and still the same problem. Could this be a bad spot on starter or something else?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

I don't know what kind of boat / engine you have, but a bad solenoid on the starter will do that on occasion.

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

sorry...it is a 1990 mercruiser 4.3L alpha 1 drive

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

is solenoid a repair or replace issue? Will it give out suddenly or stay like it is?

 

[Bayrider]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

Hi tystick.Make sure all the connections on the starter are clean and tight.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

On the times when you get nothing do you at least get a click from the solenoid? If not then the problem is probably before the starter, check all connections at the solenoid and also the main wiring harness connector at the engine could be loose or have corrosion on the pins, just pulling apart and reconnecting could help.

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

i do not get a click....nothing at all. Could this be the solonid switch or before it?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

Your going to have to get a meter or at least test light, the solenoid should have 2 big wires on separate posts, one should have 12volts all the time (assuming battery switch is on) and the other will only have 12 volts when the solenoid is energized which goes to the starter. There should be a smaller wire on another post which will have 12 volts when you turn the key to start, this should energize the solenoid. Check for 12 volts on the small wire when you turn key, if you have 12 volts but no click, probably bad solenoid, if don't get 12 volts then the problem is further upstream, as I said could be main harness connector, possible bad ignition switch, you will have to isolate using a meter or test light. Also if you don't have a manual it would be a good investment in this case just so you can see the wiring schematic for your engine.

 

[fireship1]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

It would most likely be the solenoid. If you don't hear the click it's not closing. Therefore no power is being sent to the starter. Your troubles could be in the wiring to the solenoid as well. Inspect all of your wiring at the starter and ignition switch for tightness and cleanness. Take wires off the terminal and look in-between the connections. Don't just look (corrosion tends to creep in between the terminal and connector.) If everything appears to be OK, then your solenoid must be at fault. Replace it and you should be set. Post back and let us know how it goes!

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

i do hear a click but thats it! If i turn key off and on several times then it usually works. Checked connections and looks okay

 

[rattana]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

If the battery is fully charged and you can hear the solenoid click. Then check your large wires from the battery to the solenoid, and from the solenoid to the starter. Also make sure the ground from the battery to the block is tight. Any loose wires can cause the problem you are having.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

If you can hear the solenoid click then it's possible the points inside are corroded or pitted especially if you do this several times and it finally catches. Remember a solenoid is just an electro-mechanical switch so even if it energizes (clicks) the points inside might not connect. Again a meter or test light on the big wire that goes to the starter would show this or just go ahead and change the solenoid on spec.

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

When looking up the solenoid , there is a starter solenoid located near main wiring harness and a solenoid on starter itself. Which one are you refering to?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

The one near the main wiring harness, hopefully that is the one you are hearing the click from? it will then feed down to the starter.

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

yes, that is the one i am hearing the click from...i checked all connections to/from batteries which are fine. Therefore as you stated, it sounds like this solenoid. Is it possible to clean out or repair?

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

how do i find out weather a mercruiser solenoid switch is compatible. It has a slightly different configuration? Part # 65057A1 Can I use it?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

A quick check at the dealer should tell you if you can use it. Just remember this may or may not not fix it, I would be checking for volatge on the outbound terminal before I replaced a solenoid, let us know how you make out.

 

[tystick]

Re: starter / ignition switch diagnosis

looks like a loose connection as i tightened up at solenoid and seemed to work knock on wood<br />thanks