Starter Problem

[BobWeiss]

I have a weird starting problem and was hoping someone here could help me out.<br /><br />I have an '82 Mercruiser 350 engine that suddenly the other day decided not to start. It just make a click noise everytime I turn the key. The batteries are new and charged. The click is comming from the soleniod that is not connected to the starter. It is measuring 12v on the opposite side when the key is turned so that is working also. I decided to change the starter out and after doing so when I turn the key the starter keeps turning the engine even after I turn to key to off and remove them! I had to kill the battery power with a bank switch to stop it. When I put the switch back to bank 1 again it doesn't turn the starter until I use the key but then it won't stop again. What could be causing this? Did I get a defictive starter from the store? It seems like the solenoid on the starter is not releasing the power to the starter motor, am I correct?<br /><br />FYI my starting system consists of:<br /><br />Ignition switch<br />Neutral safety switch<br />Battery (s)<br />Starter w/ soleniod<br />Slave soleniod<br />Breaker<br /><br />Help!<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bob W.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starter Problem

Welcome to iboats There is a 'search' function at the top of the page. Type in "starter dead" & lookaround ...There is an excellent post by Don S. on trouble shooting ignition system problems....JK

 

[tystick]

Re: Starter Problem

Did you check the wiring on new starter?

 

[BobWeiss]

Re: Starter Problem

Originally posted by tystick:<br /> Did you check the wiring on new starter?

Which wiring are you referring to? I made sure I put the wires back on the same terminals on the new one.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starter Problem

Look for Don's post. It will help alot....JK

 

[BobWeiss]

Re: Starter Problem

Originally posted by J.kopec:<br /> Look for Don's post. It will help alot....JK

I just read his post and I did all of what he says. I can't understand why the starter will crank when the key is turned to start but remain cranking after the key is moved to run or even off?? It keeps on cranking until I kill battery power. When I hook battery power back up the starter does not crank again until I turn the key to start position and it repeats this whole process over and over again. <br /><br />If I hooked a wire up wrong when I replaced the starter which wire would cause this? There was only 3 wires on the starter soleniod to move from the old starter to the new one.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bob W.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Problem

My post won't help with your problem, sounds like you have a defective starter (solenoid), but you might want to check the connections on the starter. If one of the wires is touching one of the smaller terminals it could keep the starter engaged (I think I ran into that problem once).

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starter Problem

Well, Don's post didn't fix your problem....But it got his attention... So... Listen to what he says & work on it.... ....JK

 

[BobWeiss]

Re: Starter Problem

Originally posted by J.kopec:<br /> Well, Don's post didn't fix your problem....But it got his attention... So... Listen to what he says & work on it.... ....JK

I've been working on it all damn day long..I am trying another starter because none of this makes any sense.<br /><br />Thanks for all your help, <br /><br />Bob

 

[tystick]

Re: Starter Problem

wow, only trying to help. <br />Let us know how you make out with new starter. it is always possible that new part is defective but I would put that at the bottom of the list

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starter Problem

How about taking the starter & having it tested? I'm sorry that you worked on it all day long....Don's test takes about 15 minutes....What did you spend the rest of the day on? I think all that rain has made someone grumpy. ....Your starter solenoid is probably defective...Did you replace it with a marine rated one?.....JK

 

[BobWeiss]

Re: Starter Problem

Sorry for sounding grumpy...Its just testing every nerve I got. In order to get this starter out I have to first move all 3 of my batteries and cables out of the way then unscrew a wooden box that surrounds them to gain access to the starter itself. Then lay in muck to get to it...FUN! After doing all that yesterday I end up with this problem. And as you probably guessed I re-mounted the box and batteries thinking everything would be good to go...WRONG! Now back to taking all that out again and having no idea what the problem is. I have another new starter from a different store as the other place only had 1 available and I am going to purchase a new slave soleniod too since they are only like $15. If this all fails then the only thing left is the ignition key right?<br /><br />Again, sorry about sounding pissy and I APPRECIATE all your help!<br /><br />P.S.<br /><br />Could a bad slave soleniod stick in the open mode and cause the starter to keep cranking away with the key removed? Is it possible I hooked the cables up to the starter soleniud backwards and this is the result? On the back of the solenoid there are 3 terminals. 1 big one for the positive battery cable and 2 small ones. One of the small ones is left with no wires on it and the other one has 2 wires on it. One red and one yellow I beleive. If I was to put those 2 wires on the wrong side of the solenoid what would happen?<br /><br />Bob

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starter Problem

Apology accepted, it can get real frustrating, I know...Yes, the slave solenoid could be bad, but.....The red wire(to circuit breaker) & the yellow/red wire (to slave solenoid), should be on different posts on the starter solenoid....The yellow red wire should only have voltage with the key in the 'start' position.....If the yellow/red wire has voltage at the starter solenoid in the run position, the starter will crank...but it is not supposed to....Make sure you use marine rated parts...JK

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Starter Problem

most only have the main battery cable plus the main feed for the boat on the large lug, the small lug that is on the near side looking at the starter is normally not used, the inner stud has only a yellow/red tracer wire attached that comes off the slave. if you have 2 wires on this stud ,is sounds wrong and this might account for the trouble

 

[tystick]

Re: Starter Problem

I also have only two wires as BT Doctor described. Not sure what your 3rd wire is for?<br /><br />BTW, what is the near side stud used for? My old starter did not have it, only the inner stud. My guess is that it is to reverse rotation.