Starting problem

[jdtower23]

Preparing to start my motor after head gaskets, etc. and of course now the ignition switch won't crank it...I took a screwdriver to the solenoid and it cranked strong....turned the key on and getting power but nothing when i try to start......

I just replaced the ignition switch thinking that was it but same result....

Wires seem tight on the starter....where should I check, test 1st?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting problem

This is mostly Merc and Volvo, but the basics are the same for OMC, just a different shaped slave solenoid.

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

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

Thanks Don, nice writeup!

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

Did a little testing tonight....switch is fine....no power on the solenoid or "s" wire at the slave cylinder when trying to crank...

Where should I proceed next? bypass the neutral safety switch? If so, how difficult is this on an OMC?

Thanks...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting problem

Get a Test Light,+ Follow the Power................

Then you'll Know where the Issue is, instead of Guessing..........

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting problem

....no power on the solenoid or "s" wire at the slave cylinder when trying to crank...

Which solenoid????
What is the "S" wire at the slave cylinder, the slave solenoid???? or since you say cylinder, are you refering to the cylinder shaped solenoid mounted on top of the starter?

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

Sorry, was tired....meant slave solenoid....I tested for power at the slave solenoid at the yellow/red wire on the slave solenoid while key was in start position....the one hooked to "S" on the switch....

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

What do I do now? I've traced the "s" wire....it's split into a double black wire....looks like it ends up at the rear portion of the throttle....only one of the black wires is spliced near the switch....it comes to 2 wires and the other wire I haven't figured out where it goes yet.....now I know I'm in over my head.....

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

OK, I checked for power on the 2 lines coming out of the throttle....one has power, the other doesn't....is the other line the one coming out AFTER the neutral safety?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting problem

THINK about it. You have power coming into your neutral safety switch, but it doesn,t come out......... Question is, why. Does the switch activate? Does the switch WORK, are the wires hooked up to the switch. Is the switch loose, or out of adjustment, did you look at it, did you check anything????

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

Don,

Can I hook those 2 wires together to bypass it? I just want to try to start it and then figure that out later or even take it to the marina....

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting problem

Don,

Can I hook those 2 wires together to bypass it? I just want to try to start it and then figure that out later or even take it to the marina....

Thanks

That is what I mean about THINK!!!!!
A neutral safty switch is just that, a switch. It's either ON or OFF. If you hook the wires together it's the same as turning the switch on which is the same as having the shifter in neutral.
You can then start the engine because power is getting to the solenoid.

 

[jdtower23]

Re: Starting problem

Well it was the neutral safety switch....bypassed it and the motor cranked...do I have to disassemble the whole throttle to replace it?

 

[mo2380]

Re: Starting problem

Just following your post, I will be starting this step by step later this evening. Don thanks ahead of time for posting this information.