2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

[mikesmiff57]

I have a 2000 Seaswirl with a Volvo 5.0 250 HP engine. Everything is fine except for an intermitent electrical problem where the boat won't start at times. I turn the ignition and nothing. No clicking sounds..no sounds at all. Sometimes after 5-30 min of trying it will decide to start. Sometimes it won't start and I go back home. It has never failed to start at home. This only happens from time to time when its in the water. Ignition switch is fine. It is not a battery problem either. Everything else works fine (trim, lights, radio, gauges, etc.) It's also a brand new battery with plenty of power. I messed with the neutral switch and that didn't seem to do anything either. Is this a common problem? Is it possibly my starter selinoid?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

What you need to do is have a test light,+ multimeter With you the next time it happens.....<br />Then you can tell Where you have Power, Or Don't.....<br />By-passing the Solenoid will determine if that's where the problem lies.....<br />What makes you think the keyswitch is OK ??????

 

[mikesmiff57]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

Thanks Bondo....I have those items at the ready. Unfortunately it has started the last few times so there's nothing to check. I took the keyswitch out and had it checked by a mechanic friend of mine. He said it was fine. I've traced wires, looked for anything loose. Retightened all the wires I could think of at this point....As funny as it sounds, I'm hoping it doesn't start sometime soon...

 

[rattana]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

Mike, make sure that you have a good ground connection between your engine block and your battery. Measure the voltage between your engine block and the wire going to the starter when trying to start it. It should only drop down only 2 or 3 volts when cranking it.

 

[loadnet]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

Like Bondo said, have that stuff on board then if it doesn't start - run juice straight to the selonoid small wire and see if it turns over / key on.<br /><br />If it does, you'll need to head back to the ignition switch and find out <br /><br />- if it's getting juice to the BATT terminal in the off position. <br />- if it's getting juice to the SOL terminal in the START position and if it is..<br />- Start following that SOL wire all the way to the starter solonid. <br /><br />Make sure the shifter is square in Neutral when testing.<br /><br />Wiggle the shifter around while holding the key in START position.

 

[KM2]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

I have a 2000 Volvo 4.3 GL in a Fourwinns 180 that did the exact same thing a few times this summer. I couldn't figure out what the problem was and it only happened a few times. If you can't make it happen for the dealer they are no help. After inspecting the whole system the only thing that I did was tighten the plastic nut that held the key ignition in place. It was lose and may have prevented me from turning the key hard enough. <br />I hope somebody else on the site can help us, I don't need the stress of the boat not starting miles from the landing.

 

[mikesmiff57]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

Thanks for all the help guys. As is always the case, it is starting fine right now but hopefully it won't start soon and I will use your suggestions...thanks again

 

[mikesmiff57]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

I tightened key switch as tight as I can. It was a little loose before, but I had the starting problem a couple times after I tightened it as well. Once it starts, Ive never had it not start again out on the lake. I'll keep trying. It's probably going to be something simple. At least I'm hoping for that.

 

[briandownunda]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

Did you ever have the problem happen again ? I have the same exact problem with my '96 5.8 liter volvo penta...replaced the ignition switch and the problem still occurs :-( I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the shifter/starter disable ?

 

[supermottl]

Re: 2000 volvo penta 5.0 intermitent electrical problem

What I would do in that situation is just get down in there and start taking electrical connections off and cleaning them with wire brushes and using di-electric grease on all connections. Just get in there and start having at it. I had the same issues with my '73 bronco (302) and it turned out to be the lead going from the solenoid to the started. I used a few of those "star" washers in all connections because they *cut* into the surfaces, and increase surface area and make better contacts. Maybe try that? I've never had an issue since.<br />You could also take the starter out and brign it to NAPA or something and have them check it out, just to be sure it's not that... there sould be only 2 bolts holding the starter in.<br />good luck - I have a 1994 Seaswirl Striper w/ the 302 - luv it