Yamaha tilt / starting problem

[snowmon]

Have a 2000 250hp OX66 saltwater series with low (40) hrs. Recently developed a problem with the tilt and also when trying to turn the engine over. Clicking noise in both cases. Guages dim down and battery voltage drops. Batteries are new and fully charged. Almost seems like a short or relay problem. Fuses are OK. All electrical on boat checks OK. Problem seems isolated to the engine. Ideas????<br />Thanks.

 

[31900]

Re: Yamaha tilt / starting problem

Sounds like a bad earth or most probably dirty battery terminals since the problem presents when there is a heavy current draw. Remove the battery leads and clean the battery posts and clamps inside and out. Brush some bicarb soda in water about a teaspoon in a cup of water.This will fizz as you apply it. Replace leads, tighten firmly and grease exposed metal lightly. If this does not fix it you have earthing problems or other poor connections. Check the security of all major power cables to the motor. Good luck.

 

[snowmon]

Re: Yamaha tilt / starting problem

Thanks Adam, I'll give it a try. Snowmon

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Yamaha tilt / starting problem

Hey snowmon, I had the exact same problem with my brand new Yamaha last year. It wound up being a "cutoff" switch, the type with the plastic key. I wasnt able to see the inside of it, but it must have been corroded to a certain degree. I bypassed it and havent had a problem since. It sounds like you definitly have a weak link somewhere in your starter/trim circuit.

 

[snowmon]

Re: Yamaha tilt / starting problem

Thanks you guys. This is pretty strange. After testing relay, starter and trim pump with a battery directly at the motor (all checked fine), I replaced the wing nuts on the batteries with washers and nuts and tightened down good thinking it was definitely a wiring/ground problem. Didn't change a thing. I left the battery selector switch on to both batteries and took off for work. When I got home last night everything worked fine. Baffled. I will check out the kill switch. Didn't think of that one Patrolcarr. Thanks.

 

[patrolcarr]

Re: Yamaha tilt / starting problem

Hey snowmon, just in case that problem acts up again, I'd definitly bypass that switch completely. In my experience, some times it worked and sometimes it didnt. On a few occasions I had thought everything was ok after I "tightened" everything up, then later on I'd get the clicking noise when I tried to start the engine, and no response from the tilt/trim. Since I removed the cutoff switch, and now have all power connected dirctly to the battery, the problem has been completely eliminated. Good luck!