1991 Chris Craft Concept 167 staring issue

[Mafioso]

Hey everyone I’m new to boating. I bought a 1991 Chris craft concept 167 with an inboard 3.0 cobra. When I turn the key the engine doesn’t crank over. I have to take a screwdriver to the starter to get her started. After I do that I can turn the engine off with the key and start it with the key ? Some days I can just start it with the key some day no. I checked for loose wires at the ignition and the engine and everything seams tight. Any ideas what may be happening. Feed back is appreciated.

 

[matt167]

There is a neutral safety switch which you can test. And then test the key switch. It’s not a difficult circuit

 

[Mafioso]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know where I can locate the natural safety switch.

 

[ESGWheel]

By using the screwdriver, you are bypassing the starter solenoid which may be the issue. In other words, the solenoid may work sometimes and sometimes not, which is not untypical for an older starter. Since this is an intermittent issue, you need to ‘catch it’ in its failure mode.

Here is how: put a test light on the small wire / spade terminal on the back of the solenoid. If you use a test light with an alligator clip and slightly pull of the insulated connector you can reach around the connector with the alligator jaws to bite into the spade to make a good connection. And then ground out the other end. However you set this up, make it secure so you can be comfortable it will remain in place for the boating day AND so you can see the light. Then every time you try to start with the key, look to see if the test light lights up. If it lights up but does not crank it’s the starter solenoid. If it does not light (and thus does not crank) then it’s the kill switch or neutral safety or a loose connection.

 

[ESGWheel]

BTW nice-looking boat, good catch and welcome to the world of boating! Please consider taking a boating safety course if not already done and have all the appropriate safety gear.

 

[Mafioso]

BTW nice-looking boat, good catch and welcome to the world of boating! Please consider taking a boating safety course if not already done and have all the appropriate safety gear.

Thanks I got my pleasure craft licence and all the safety gear. Bought this boat at the beginning of the season and had her out 8 times already . So far great boat it has a rebuilt engine with 60hr on the motor. I Paid 3k Canadian with the ez older trailer. The only issue is that the trim gauge doesn’t work. That’s the next thing on my list to diagnose.

 

[mr 88]

Trim gauge is just another bell and whistle you don't need . Adjust trim by the seat of your pants . Somewhat down position when you take off ,once on a plane you trim up until the bow feels light or your RPMs jump up real quick , drop it a hair at that point. Usually in tougher water you start to bury the bow so that slices through the water instead of pounding. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new starter , rebuild the old one and now you have a spare . Money on that's the issue as noted above .

 

[ESGWheel]

The parts cannon can sometimes be a viable troubleshooting technique (replacing parts until its fixed) especially when aged parts, like a starter, it’s better to replace proactively > sucks getting stuck out on the water and/or having to cut your boating season short!

If you decide (or need) to replace the starter, make sure it’s a marine grade starter that meets SAEJ1171 certification. While I am still learning about design differences for SAEJ1171 parts, in brief it means the (electrical) item will not spark and cause an explosion of gas vapors that can exist in a boat engine compartment. Said differently DO NOT use an automotive starter. Here is a source for marine starters I have used in the past with good success: link.

Keep posting your progress and questions. This form is a great source for DIY’ers and folks wanting to learn. And start a different thread for the trim gauge when need help with that.

 

[Mafioso]

The parts cannon can sometimes be a viable troubleshooting technique (replacing parts until its fixed) especially when aged parts, like a starter, it’s better to replace proactively > sucks getting stuck out on the water and/or having to cut your boating season short!

If you decide (or need) to replace the starter, make sure it’s a marine grade starter that meets SAEJ1171 certification. While I am still learning about design differences for SAEJ1171 parts, in brief it means the (electrical) item will not spark and cause an explosion of gas vapors that can exist in a boat engine compartment. Said differently DO NOT use an automotive starter. Here is a source for marine starters I have used in the past with good success: link.

Keep posting your progress and questions. This form is a great source for DIY’ers and folks wanting to learn. And start a different thread for the trim gauge when need help with that.

Thanks this is excellent information.

 

[JimS123]

Trim gauge is just another bell and whistle you don't need . Adjust trim by the seat of your pants . Somewhat down position when you take off ,once on a plane you trim up until the bow feels light or your RPMs jump up real quick , drop it a hair at that point. Usually in tougher water you start to bury the bow so that slices through the water instead of pounding. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new starter , rebuild the old one and now you have a spare . Money on that's the issue as noted above .

Surely, you trim at plane by feel and speed. But, if you ever want to anchor at a sand bar the trim gauge is something you don't want to live without.

While on the trailer trim up until the prop is above the bottom of the boat. Note the gauge position. Then, when you go in shallow water you can use the gauge to ensure you never damage the prop.

 

[mr 88]

Surely, you trim at plane by feel and speed. But, if you ever want to anchor at a sand bar the trim gauge is something you don't want to live without.

While on the trailer trim up until the prop is above the bottom of the boat. Note the gauge position. Then, when you go in shallow water you can use the gauge to ensure you never damage the prop.

" never damage the prop " uhhh no , raising the outdrive guarantee's nothing . If it's that shallow you should be pulling the boat by hand .I stand by my statement, the gauge is useless and not worth fixing .