1986 Bayliner Capri electrical problem - no instruments/horn/bilge/engine start

[ajljhall]

Hi folks, I have a 1986 Bayliner Capri with 125hp Force engine. I bought the boat in 1986. I am having a problem that I have never had before. The key does not crank the engine and the instruments and gas gauge doesn't come alive when the key is on position. My tilt works fine. Battery has 12.5V. The fuse off the battery is fine, good connection. The fuse panel under the dash is showing 12.5V and other side of fuses all show 12.5V. The ignition switch shows 12.5V (maybe not all wires but red does) but I changed the ignition switch because I thought that was the problem, it wasn't. (Westmarine said I could bring back if it wasnt the problem). The small circuit breaker on the engine is ok. Solenoid is hot at main line from battery but not hot anywhere else (key was in on position when I tested)

I am now at a loss. Is there another fuse or circuit breaker that I don't know about? Any advice on what to test or look for?

Thanks you,
Al

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1986 Bayliner Capri electrical problem - no instruments/horn/bilge/engine start

The instruments are fed from the ignition switch (unless someone has mucked with the wiring in the past). There is an "A" (accessory) terminal on the switch that should have +12 volts on it when the key is on. But since the engine doesn't crank, that says there is not +12 volts on the "S" (start/solenoid) terminal in the START position and very likely no +12 volts on the "B" (battery) connection on the switch. Check all three of these. If you get the engine to crank, or if the gauges become active, then the engine will too. The reason you measured +12 volts at the fuse panel is because the fuse panel is powered via a totally separate circuit from the battery and not via the engine harness. Make the voltage checks I suggested and check back.

 

[ajljhall]

Re: 1986 Bayliner Capri electrical problem - no instruments/horn/bilge/engine start

Silvertip, thanks for your help. I now realize that I didn't have 12.5V at the ignition but only at the fuse panel. I then tested at the solenoid and did not have full voltage. It ended up being a battery connection problem. Embarrasing! I thought I checked and cleaned them thoroughly....I guess never enough. Thanks again for your help.

Al