I have a 1988 Wellcraft Classic 170 with a 3.0L Mercruiser, 181 CID, 130 HP, #831646. I was having problems with it starting sometimes and not others. Finally it just stopped starting. Got home by jumping the probes on the starter.
At home with a test light I tested the key ignition; red battery cable was hot, ACC lit when key was turned, and SOL lit when turned to start the engine. Went to the engine compartment and found out the slave solenoid was bad. Replaced it. The boat still won't start.
So I started over with the test light. Only this time on the key ignition when the key is turned to ACC the red battery cable, which should stay hot, goes dead. If the key is turned back to the off position the red battery cable becomes hot again and the test light goes back on. I followed the hot cable back to a wiring harness which I pulled apart and tested female end and it lit up so juice was at least getting there. I believe then the problem then is some where between that harness and the key ignition.
Any ideas? Please help. I've only used the boat 3 times since I got it and the kids are dying to get back out on the water.
Thanks.
At home with a test light I tested the key ignition; red battery cable was hot, ACC lit when key was turned, and SOL lit when turned to start the engine. Went to the engine compartment and found out the slave solenoid was bad. Replaced it. The boat still won't start.
So I started over with the test light. Only this time on the key ignition when the key is turned to ACC the red battery cable, which should stay hot, goes dead. If the key is turned back to the off position the red battery cable becomes hot again and the test light goes back on. I followed the hot cable back to a wiring harness which I pulled apart and tested female end and it lit up so juice was at least getting there. I believe then the problem then is some where between that harness and the key ignition.
Any ideas? Please help. I've only used the boat 3 times since I got it and the kids are dying to get back out on the water.
Thanks.