starting issue

[durden]

I have a 1998 Tahoe Q5 with a 4.3L Mercruiser that won't turn over. The starter solenoid has been replaced. The Starter Spins if jumped, i also had it tested when i bought the starter solenoid, and i was told the starter was fine. Whenever i turn the key all i get is a click from the slave Solenoid. I also Noticed that a purple wire on the ignition switch was getting very hot and smoking. So I took the ignition switch off and now i can't remember what wires go where. Its a 3 Prong Switch, there are 2 red wires, 2 purple wires, and one yellow wire with a red stripe. I would like to wire that up correctly. The battery is brand new. All terminals and wires have been cleaned of corrosion. I'm At a loss as what to do next to get this thing running. My owners manual sucks and gives me no helpful information. This is my first post and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: starting issue

short the 2 larger lugs on the slave, motor should turn over, if it dosent, inspect battery cables, ends, connections.If the starter clunks, remove all spark plugs and re-try to turn motor over.for the ign switch, I`ll wager a guess the reds go to the "B" post, the purple to the "I" post and yellow/stripe to the "S" post.

 

[durden]

Re: starting issue

Greatly Appreciated, i'll give it a try when i get back into town.

 

[Don S]

Re: starting issue

Here is a how to on troubleshooting your starting system.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[dingdongs]

Re: starting issue

when or how long ago was it running? were all assuming its not seized.to confirm put engine in drive go to the rear and see if you can turn engine over by using the propeller.may find removing plugs helps.

 

[durden]

Re: starting issue

Its not seized, after i replaced the starter solenoid it turned over but i didn't have water hooked up so i pulled the boat out of the garage got it all ready to go and then nothing just the click again. I also was able to spin the fly-wheel when i removed the starter. I put the boat in drive and the prop spins. I've done the trouble shoot, everything seems to be working. The boat did not run at all last summer, so its been about a year. It always has been covered and stored in my Shed. The wiring on this thing is garbage, and i would'nt be surprised if that had something to do with it. One question with the trouble shoot, it says to touch terminal b with the test light, should the key be turned on when performing this step? It does not light up when key is off, but it does light up when the key is on.

 

[charliez]

Re: starting issue

I am assuming it is to be done with key off while testing the b term.- I am working on the same issue.
Because the next step calls for the key to be in the on position. If no lite then the switch is bad.
First try I had no lite also but after digging around further it made a connection with lite. In bad shape -changing the ignition here to see if thats it. Good luck!

 

[dingdongs]

Re: starting issue

Make sure you have a good earth from battery to the engine.Make sure the battery is wired up correctly.in this day and age take a digital snap next time.There free.a multimeter should be best if your doing electrical testing.only has to be a cheap one that you can keep with the boat.pull the large main engine harness plug and clean the terminals from any oxidization and any other ones to give you a fighting chance.some silicon grease will stop them from oxidization in the near future.let us know what you find out.