Is Starter my problem

[tony22770]

Engine cranks strong - wants to run - is it possible starter will not disengage from flywheel not permitting the engine to run?<br />When remote starter is connected to starter solenoid it will crank for a couple of times then not work. Connect remote to slave solenoid and cranks fine.<br /><br />1989 4 cyl. 3.0 mercruiser - mercarb electric choke - points distributer - Morse/Teleflex controls.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Anything is possible! You should be able to hear the starter still spinning if the engine is running. I would be looking at the timing, spark and fuel!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is Starter my problem

is it possible starter will not disengage from flywheel not permitting the engine to run?<br />

No......<br /><br />The engine will start,+ Run,.... Even if the starter Doesn't Disengage........

 

[tony22770]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Thanks Bondo - tonight I will have someone turn ignition to start & check coil for spark.<br />I have covered most items from changing gasoline in tank to carb to distributer etc. any other thoughts -

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is Starter my problem

remote will crank a couple of times and then not work. check the wiring and connections. sound like it's getting hot and causing an open circuit.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is Starter my problem

sorry double post

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Is Starter my problem

When you say it "cranks strong and wants to run" do you mean it fires while cranking and then dies as soon as you release the key? If so, your kill switch is likely in the "off" position.

 

[tony22770]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Cranks strong (and as long) as I hold key to start position - when I release key to run position it just stops. I can't really say it's firing at that time.<br />Thats why I'm looking at no spark at the coil using key switch to start tonight. Plenty of coil spark when using start switch at starter or solenoid. <br />Am I going in the right path?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Is Starter my problem

That is the classic symptom of the kill switch being activated (off). Does it have a kill switch on the shifter/throttle? If so, it need to be turned back on.

 

[tony22770]

Re: Is Starter my problem

I have a kill switch on the dash (1989 Maxum) I can't figure how it works, there is a lanyard line attached to a clip device that slips over the neck of the switch. No visible spring activated feature that I can see when removing the clip unless it's just frozen in "on" position. <br />Testing connections behind kill switch I find current to one pole and not the other, when you say "off" I have a feeling I should get current at both terminals then the switch is "on"

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Originally posted by tony33770:<br /> I have a kill switch on the dash (1989 Maxum) I can't figure how it works, there is a lanyard line attached to a clip device that slips over the neck of the switch. No visible spring activated feature that I can see when removing the clip unless it's just frozen in "on" position. <br />Testing connections behind kill switch I find current to one pole and not the other, when you say "off" I have a feeling I should get current at both terminals then the switch is "on"

Yup; well, voltage really, but anyway... Jump a wire accross the two poles of the switch to take it out of the circuit and the boat will likely run. Perhaps the switch is bad. Mine is basically a toggle switch that the lanyard will turn off when it's pulled out.

 

[tony22770]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Mischief Managed<br />I owe you one - trying tonight when I get home.<br />Thanks for your interest.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Originally posted by tony33770:<br /> Mischief Managed<br />I owe you one - trying tonight when I get home.<br />Thanks for your interest.

My pleasure.<br /><br />First time out with my 2nd boat (the first boat I ever owned with a kill switch), I hit a wave in a very busy channel and the engine died. It exhibited the same exact symptoms as yours and I was freaking out as traffic was passing me left and right and I was just drifting. A good Samaritan gave me a tow and about 5 minutes into the tow, I thought to check the kill switch. Doh! I had hit it with my knee and it was between on and off with the lanyard still in place. Fired right up when I turned the switch to on. I'll never forget that.

 

[tony22770]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Mischief Managed<br />You wrote:<br />"Yup; well, voltage really, but anyway... Jump a wire accross the two poles of the switch to take it out of the circuit and the boat will likely run. Perhaps the switch is bad. Mine is basically a toggle switch that the lanyard will turn off when it's pulled out."<br /><br />Guess what "IT RUNS"<br />Can't thank you enough<br />Bad switch - jumping the switch can't say I will ever use the kill switch what with going forward and aft when boating.<br />Thank You

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Is Starter my problem

Cool! I love an elegant solution.