Wont start sometimes

[Rudy Brown]

I dont know if this is a engine problem or a electrical one, so if this post is in the wrong forum, sorry. On my 84 bass boat, E90TLCRD, sometimes when I go to start it nothing happens. It always occurs while I've been on the water for a while, never at home. When the key is in the "start" position, the tach pegs below 0, the trim gauge goes all the way up and the livewell pump runs. When in the "run" position all is normal. I replaced the key switch last year and it didnt correct the problem. When I unplugged the red connector from the side of the motor and jumped the solonoid to get the motor to crank, just before the starter engaged I heard the livewell pump run.??? When I got home, I couldnt get it to do it again, never can. I ran new wires from the livewell pump and made sure it was on its own circuit. (couldnt find anyproblems with the old wires). Again this weekend it acted up, a couple of times, while fishing. I now noticed that the T/T dosent work at either the remote and bow location when this "thing" happens. Either trim up or down will make the livewell pump run. Now I even removed the fuse from the livewell circuit, it still RAN when the T/T switch moved or the key in the start position. ?????? I think my boat is possessed. I'm all out of Ideas. Where should I check next? I did notice that when I played with the remotes TT switch the problem would correct itself sooner. Could it be a bad TT switch? Or a relay on the motor? This is beyond my skills. Thanks, Rudy.

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Wont start sometimes

Anybody??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wont start sometimes

sounds to me like you have a major wiring problem, and shorts, is this boat new to you. or did this just start. imho, accessories should operate on a separate electrical system and deep cycle battery with a master switch. the engine should have a dedicated starting (not deep cycle) battery.. you can add a battery selector switch for charging both batteries. here's a general diagram

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1262348

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Wont start sometimes

My Dad bought the boat new in 84. Havent had any problems until last year when this started.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Wont start sometimes

you've got 22 year old wireing, the insulation gets hard ,dry, and shorts out.

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Wont start sometimes

I was afraid you was gonna say that.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Wont start sometimes

The ignition switch "S" connection should have nothing on it but one red and yellow wire that leads back through the harness to the small post on the starter solenoid. If that is so and the wire is not shorted, then make sure that the starter solenoid is a properly wired marine solenoid.

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Wont start sometimes

Thanks ezeke. I'll check tonight. I know the starter and soleniod are original.