Wont crank all the time

[79camaro]

Hi. So I have an issue I can't track down. Last week I was out on the water and stopped for a swim and the boat wouldn't start. It wouldn't crank at all. Last night I replaced the ignition switch as it was very loose. I also bypassed the kill switch to be sure it wasn't bad (though I did a continuity test and it was fine).

So after I did that still nothing. Then I went and checked to make sure all electrical of the connections were tight on the motor and then tried again. It fired right up. So now I am stuck with not knowing what fixed it. Even though it works now I am afraid of getting towed again as I don't know what I did to fix it? Any thoughts on what could do this?

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont crank all the time

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

It would also help to know what engine you have. Size, year, type, serial numbers, etc.

 

[79camaro]

Re: Wont crank all the time

2003 Mercruiser 3.0. Serial OM384628 with a Alpha one outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Then I went and checked to make sure all electrical of the connections were tight on the motor and then tried again. It fired right up.

Ayuh,.... Corroded wiring ends,...

Remove, sand, clean to shiny metal, replace, then grease the wiring ends,...

All of 'em, both ends, includin' the Grounds...

 

[79camaro]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Not sure where to start... All of the connections in the diagrams from the first link?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Not sure where to start... All of the connections in the diagrams from the first link?

Ayuh,... Sure, the 1s in the righthand side of the picture, the 1s in the motorbox...

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Wont crank all the time

This reminds me of the time when I had a similar thing happen . . . occaissionally the starter would not work . .. then it would be fine. I bought a new starter and went to put it in. As I worked my way down into the depths of the engine compartment and got a good look at the old starter, it turns out that the brass nut that fastens the battery cable to the 12V stud had fallen off.

Anybody need a new starter?

Anyway, check the cabling again . . . you'll probably find what is loose or corroded.

 

[79camaro]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Thanks everyone. I love this place, I'd be broke without it!

 

[bjelier]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Had similar problem last time i went out.. Try to start...nothing. Jump started it bypassing the solinoid everything fine. Turns out it was the neutral safety switch out of ajustment. Easy fix but man am i glad i looked around before buying new parts!!

 

[79camaro]

Re: Wont crank all the time

How did you bypass the solinoid?

 

[Desertsky]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Touch the positive lead of a jumper cable to the terminal on the starter.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Touch the positive lead of a jumper cable to the terminal on the starter.

There are 4 terminals on a starter solenoid. You should tell him which one.

 

[wingless]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Ayuh,.... Corroded wiring ends,...

Remove, sand, clean to shiny metal, replace, then grease the wiring ends,...

All of 'em, both ends, includin' the Grounds...

Disconnect all the negative battery leads first for safety.

 

[79camaro]

Re: Wont crank all the time

Thanks All. I cleaned all the connections and the issue seems to be resolved!