trouble shooting ignition problem

[ssmith32256]

OK here my issue. When I turn the ignition switch to first position ( when it would be when engine was running) i have instrument lights, bilge pump, blower ect. but nothing happens when i turn it to the start position. I have jumped the solenoid and the motor cranks but wont start. so my two concerns are I am not getting current to solenoid from switch to crank starter and I assume i also may not have current to coil to fire engine up ?

Any ideas where it start checking ?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

What are we working on?

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

1996 omc 3.0l I/O sorry

 

[Don S]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Have a look at this thread.

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

It sounds a lot like you don't have power to the ignition switch. That engine is the same as the Volvo, and there is a fuse to the ignition, you also have a start relay instead of a solenoid. But the procedures for troubleshooting are the same.

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Thanks Don ! Ill use this info to check it out. If I dont have power to the ignition switch would I still have juice to the accessories, lights ect when the switch was in the on position ? Just trying to understand so I can educate myself for the future

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Hard to day, depends on how the manufacturer of the boat wired it.
You have to get under the dash and check things out to see exactly what you have. Unlike cars, boats get the wiring butchered by owners doing their own thing. You should see some of the wiring messes I have had to untangle and fix.

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

I understand. Thanks for all your help. Have a great day

 

[ssmith32256]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Don,

I think I have narrowed my problem down to the assist solenoid. Here is my question, everything I read online says that the "relay" that plugs into the assist solenoid module is the same as the one on the trim tilt. However when I look up the one for the trim tilt it has 5 terminals and the one on the assist solenoid only has 4 ? am I missing something ?

 

[Don S]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

The relays are not the same, you "Could" use the trim relays as a start relay, but you can not use a start relay as a trim relay.
The trim relay uses both the NO (normally open) and NC (normally closed)conntections to change hot and ground at the same time. The start relay only uses the NO side of the relay.
The trim relays are also a higher amperage relay. The start relay will never see 1 amp, let alone 50 or more. What is wrong with just buying the proper relay? Even automotive stores have them with 4 terminals and a 20A rating.

 

[wire2]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Take a close look at your assist relay, I think you'll find it has 1 terminal (NC) trimmed off. The 4 still there are common, NO, and 2 for coil.
Boat builders and car companies order them that way; on most applications, the NC connection is not used, so why wire it.

Either 4 or 5 terminal will fit/work for your app. Any automotive parts supply will have them. They're commonly called a Bosch relay.

 

[wire2]

Re: trouble shooting ignition problem

Don, for the record, when I clicked on "Reply" I didn't see your response yet. I wasn't trying to "improve" on your post.