Engine wont shut off with key

[kenny nunez]

On the ignition switch remove the wires that go to the gauges, one of them is the one that is feeding back to the ignition switch. Whichever one has 12volts is where you start tracing to find the source.

 

[Jakem]

Ya it's pretty confusing

 

[Jakem]

I removed the green and no power at wire...power at post...there's a little spark everytime I touch the terminal as well

 

[alldodge]

I removed the green and no power at wire...power at post...there's a little spark everytime I touch the terminal as well

That's what I'm saying, the power is coming from the solenoid. The slight spark is normal because it powers the motor back up, same as turning key ON

Figure you have a multi meter. Check for a connection between I and the right side post on the old solenoid. If there is a connection and the old worked, it has to be cables. If there is no connection, then the solenoid is wired internally different

 

[nola mike]

Even with key out my choke element does its thing

Does it do that with the green/tan wire disconnected?
Edit: ok,
1. Disconnect green wire at solenoid. Does engine start/run? If so, your problem is not with the solenoid.
2. Disconnect resistance wire at the coil, reconnect green wire. Engine should want to start but die when you let go of the key (go from start to run). If it continues to run you have a problem with the solenoid or wiring at the helm/ignition switch

 

[Jakem]

I will check all these...it worked fine for about 4 starts and was shutting off normal with key....and then the next time I tried...no off..

 

[alldodge]

I will check all these...it worked fine for about 4 starts and was shutting off normal with key....and then the next time I tried...no off..

That would have been real helpful to know up front
Put the old one back on

 

[Jakem]

Alright...fired boat up...pulled green wire and it stayed running....I shut it down and left green wire off...boat starts and shuts off with key without I terminal hooked up...the voltage at coil positive is sporadic jumping around. Now I'm really confused

 

[alldodge]

When running the voltage powering the coil goes thru a resistor which "should" drop the voltage down to around 9V. There is probably a weak connection in the key switch so voltage jumps around.

It will start without full voltage (green wire) but will have a harder time doing so mostly when cold.

 

[Jakem]

Alright so then if that's all normal why will it not shut off with green attached...

 

[alldodge]

I'm not being flipped, and I am sorry that I've been unable to explain what is happening. Maybe someone else can

 

[Jakem]

What does...not being flipped mean

 

[alldodge]

Old guy old term, Be angry, ecstatic, holler , frustrated
I'm not being that, I just don't know how to explain what's happening and why any further. I could put it all on one page if that may help, just think another might do better

 

[Jakem]

Well I appreciate your efforts for sure. Electrical baffles me so I apologize for being a block head lol

 

[flashback]

You got a lot of help, I understand frustration, but some how your ignition is being fed when the key is off. How are you shutting it down when running?

 

[Jakem]

Pulled the wire that comes from 40 amp breaker to batt

 

[alldodge]

Pulled the wire that comes from 40 amp breaker to batt

Don't do that

 

[alldodge]

Motor has 2 different means to power the coil

Key in ON/RUN sends 12V thru resistor directly to the coil. Reaches coil with around 9V

Key turned to Start sends 12V to starter solenoid. Solenoid energizes and connects power to starter and also sends full 12V bypassing the resistor (Green wire) to coil for stronger spark

A solenoid is like a switch. The key switch turns the solenoid ON or flips a switch next to starter. Think of it as when it energizes the switch connects battery power to the starter and to the coil because “both” wires are connected together inside the solenoid.

Since you get 12V on the small post full time no matter if the key is ON or OFF, this means the switch connection “inside” the solenoid is still connected. The I terminal and the large starter post terminal on the solenoid are connected together inside the solenoid.

Take the old solenoid, put meter on ohms scale and connect it from the right side large terminal and the small I terminal on the right side. If there is a connection (low resistance value), then the large battery and starter cables need to be swapped to make it work correctly. If there is no connection, then the old is not the same as the new one

 

[kenny nunez]

I hope you have a 12 volt test light. That is one of the best tools for quickly finding electrical problems. That will help you find where the current is coming from.

 

[Jakem]

Here's the thing...I hooked old soliniod back up and wires the way they have been since I bought the boat...fired up...runs smooth...and shuts off with the key