'93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

[cj2etc]

Looking for some help with a starting issue on a Hydrodyne with an Indmar 351 motor. When starting our boat many times it will just crank and not start and then as you are releasing the key from the start position it will catch and either seem like it is going to start and then doesn't or it will just start. Anyone know if this is a symptom of something curable or just a nuance that we need to live with? If it is symptomatic of something failing I would like to just fix it. I am thinking that it may be an electical issue.

Thanks for any help
Craig

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

Key switch isn't making contact in the start position. Check voltage on the + side of the coil while cranking then in the "on" position and see if there is a difference in voltage.

 

[cj2etc]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

Will do. And just to clarify they should be the same, right? And if not any recommendations as to what the problem could be or how to fix it? Cleaning ignition contacts or any other thoughts?

Thanks again.
Craig

 

[Bondo]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

Will do. And just to clarify they should be the same, right? And if not any recommendations as to what the problem could be or how to fix it? Cleaning ignition contacts or any other thoughts?

Thanks again.
Craig

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... If there's a Problem, Replace the offendin' parts....

 

[cj2etc]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

If there's a Problem, Replace the offendin' parts....

That is the goal but how does one go about identifying the offendin' parts? Any hints or guideance?

Craig

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

If you lose voltage when in the start position, replace the ignition switch.

 

[Maclin]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

There should be 12v when cranking then 9 or so when key is returned to ON.

 

[cj2etc]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

That helps. Thanks for help. I will check it out this weekend.

Any recommendations on where to get a new ignition switch if that is the culprit?

 

[Maclin]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

IF that is the suspect, then remove it AFTER taking notes on what wire goes where and the color of the wire, and take it to an auto parts house or Marine parts dealer if there is one close, that is a pretty common item. You can look around here in the iBoats shopping site and other places online as well to get an idea of pricing and availability. The main thing is that the number of terminals and their functions and arrangement on the back of the switch matches.

 

[cj2etc]

Re: '93 Indmar 351 Starting issue

or Marine parts dealer if there is one close

There isn't one, that is the problem. I just ordered a replacement. It is cheaper for me to order a new one ($20) and have it delivered to my house and hope it fixes it than it is to pay for the gas to drive to go get the boat or the part and have it tested or get to a marine parts place. That is one of the reasons I have started just trying to do everything myself. By the time I take my boat to a mechanic, usually they can't replicate the conditions that are causing me problems and they just put new parts in it based on what they think might be the cause, charge me a fortune, and then I haul it back to the lakehouse, stick it in the lake and it eventually does the same thing with me just a thousand dollars poorer.

Oh, the joys of boating.

Thanks for the help