Starter solenoid stopped working

[slag]

VP 5.7 liter engine, circa 1998
My son left a water hose disconnected and flooded the engine compartment up to the lower belt. Submerged the starter and after 2 weeks, it's ruined. Solenoid just clicks when trying to start the boat, so I bought another starter yesterday here on iboats and while waiting for it to arrive, I took the other one apart, cleaned up the rust, and the starter will spin if bypassing the solenoid, but the solenoid is bad. Looking at replacement solenoids for the sierra starter I have, I can't find the exact one, but I can find 3 wire solenoids. My question is, since I have a 4 wire solenoid, 2 large lugs and 2 small lugs, what is the second small lug used for? It's a purple wire that I'm not sure where it goes to. The 2 large lugs are to the starter and battery, and smaller yellow wire on the lug is the trigger for the solenoid, but what is the purple wire for?

 

[slag]

Found this link. .it explains most everything I need to know I think except if I can use a 3 wire solenoid in place of a 4 wire.

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...rives/643082-volvo-penta-4-3gl-starter-issues

 

[alldodge]

That lead is used to supply power to the fuel pump while the motor is cranking.

 

[slag]

I have a mechanical fuel pump.

 

[alldodge]

I have a mechanical fuel pump.

Probably isn't needed but to double check it isn't used for something else which model motor?

 

[slag]

Not at the engine right now and don't remember, its just a 2 barrel non vortec head 5.7 liter VP setup. I have a photo of the model somewhere in google photos.. seeing if I can find it. Friend at work thinks it goes to the regulator on the alternator.

 

[alldodge]

If its a GL or GS then yes it goes to the ALT and all other powered on circuits when the key is turned ON

http://boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/lk_elect.html#/170

 

[slag]

It's a GL. Sounds like a 3 post wouldn't work for me then.

 

[alldodge]

Not a VP expert, but that post on GM motors is only hot when the solenoid is energized. Looking at the wiring diagram the wire is always hot when the key is ON, so I don't think it would change anything if it was not connected.

Maybe a VP guru will come along

 

[kenny nunez]

The purple wire is the ignition by-pass circuit that provides 12 volts to the coil when cranking, when the engine is running it is getting a “feed back” from the + side of the coil, if you touch it with a volt meter it will probably register what is on the + side of the coil. There is usually some sealant where it mounts to the starter frame. Be sure to get a new one, the rebuilts are not reliable.

 

[slag]

"There is usually some sealant where it mounts to the starter frame. Be sure to get a new one, the rebuilts are not reliable."

It mounts to the starter frame.. the solenoid? I did order a new starter from iboats, not a rebuilt. I also found a new solenoid on ebay that is 4 lug as well so hopefully I'll have a spare starter as well.

 

[Lou C]

I had a similar problem, water dripped from a exhaust manifold drain right on the starter, rusted up the terminals. I replaced the solenoid and that starter is still working fine 5 years later. Make sure there are no water leaks from a manifold drain or hose near the starter especially. I would get the right model for your starter though.

 

[slag]

Update and closure. Yesterday, both the Ebay (delco) solenoid and new starter arrived. Went out to the boat and tested the new solenoid on the old starter and it worked fine. Then I installed and hooked up the new starter and it works even better. I now have a good spare!