Ignition woes?

[gunkas]

I have a 2000 250 Mercury with 150 hours. Last month it would not start(via the key ignition)offshore but was easily hand started. After running back in, the key worked fine at the dock. I checked for low batteries and all the loose wires one could imagine from the starter to the throttle neutral kill etc. all was fine. It happened again after another 5 or so trips and again it will hand start easily. When I turn the key I can hear the EFI pump working in the engine so I know it gets power, there is no starter activity. Is there something in the ignition key/coil itself that could shake loose? I would rather replace that before my mechanic tells me I need a whole new harness. Thankx, Mark

 

[JB]

Re: Ignition woes?

Check your starter solenoid. Sometimes they get worn so that they pull in without making the high current connection to operate the starter motor.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Ignition woes?

JB's right.....usually when these solenoids fail you'll hear an audible click when turning key to crank....an that horrid silence after...maybe a bad neutral start switch...did you try working the shift handle back and forth? sometimes will make it work......fact that you hear pump run means you got power at the switch...i hope it breaks an stays that way...much easier then..LOL

 

[gunkas]

Re: Ignition woes?

Thanks Guys, To give a bit more info, there is no click nor any movement at all at the starter with the key turned to start. I do hear the fuel pump noise and I do have power to my gauges including the system warning gauge (oil press, temp. etc.) that came with the engine. This gauge will do its series of flashes and beeps like it is supposed to as if everything is fine. As for the neutral start switch, I have tried many times moving it in and out of gear to find neutral, this is also a 150 hour old "new" control box in which I have taken apart and traced the wires to the ignition connections and they seem fine. I do have a minimal to moderate understanding of electrical physics but I cant seem to find a "switch" regarding this neutral start...Am I clueless? My brother just told he sprayed WD40 into the ignition keyhole sevral months ago, could that have fouled something up? Thanks again, MWS

 

[JB]

Re: Ignition woes?

Hey, Mark. Get a voltmeter and check the switched side (small stud) of the solenoid when the key is turned to "start". It should go to +12V. It probably wont. Then make up a jumper and WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF jump the battery (12v) side of the solenoid to the switched terminal. It should engage the starter. That will prove that the solenoid is okay. Then replace your key switch, WD-40 is a lousy conductor of electricity and it has probably wetted the start contacts. Anytime you have a sticky key slot use graphite, not oil. If you end up deciding to take it to a tech/wrench, don't take it back to the guy who wanted to sell you a new harness. JEEZE!!! Those bums give us all a bad rep.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[Navigator]

Re: Ignition woes?

Before you rip the engine apart and start checking all the electronic componants, have you tried cleaning the battery posts? I had the same problem a while back where the engine wouldn't start but everything else worked (didn't even get a click on the solenoid). It turned out to be a thin layer of corosion buildup on the starter wire. I wire brushed both the starter wire and the battery post and it's never given me any more trouble. The reason I mentioned it is because it would start flawlessly 9 times out of 10 and of course never in front of the dealer mechanics.<br /><br />Just a thought...

 

[gunkas]

Re: Ignition woes?

A update: Today I jumped the starter and the solenoid is fine, the engine fired right up. I replaced the ignition key module and no difference, the battery posts look clean but Ill give it a try with the wire brush and cleaner. What now seems to be the focus is in the harness or the neutral kill from the throttle. The mechanic who advises me says he has seen alot of the Ultraflex control units in the last 9 months with this same problem, he said there is a sensor or indicator that fails to send the message that the gear is in neutral, thus killing the start. This guy is in the Florida Keys, does alot, alot of boats and has been very fair with me in the past so if the battery posts are not the problem....I gues Ill have to wait, wait and wait, see thats the problem, its not the $$$ its the wait that kills me. Thankyou to all, you know who you are....Mark

 

[Jersey13]

Re: Ignition woes?

Just a thought markdpm...i think it could possibly be a dead spot in the starter. If you ever get to the point again of turning the key and no starter action, tap the side of the starter, then try it again. These other guys that posted are far more knowledgable than i am on this stuff, but i just thought this as a possibility. I've seen it happen on auto starters before and a little tap would do the job. Good luck.<br /><br />-Jersey

 

[12Footer]

Re: Ignition woes?

Hmm. Thanks, Jerry. I have truck at werk, and just changed-out the solenoid..No change.<br />I took a prybar and tapped the case of the starter whilst my helper turned the key..Started right up. I ordered a new starter. Should be in tomorw.<br />Thanks again

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