Mercruiser Alpha One- Gen 2 Won't Start!

[Bob Dwyer]

I have a 1999 Sea Ray 210 Sundeck that I bought a year ago.

Sometimes, while operating on the water, I go to operate the trim switch and the motor konks out, but only momentarily, because I instantly release the trim switch and the motor resumes normal operation. This does not happen every time I operate the trim switch. The trim switch and the trailering switch are parts of the Commander 3000 Classic.
Also:
I have been having trouble starting the motor. SOMETIMES I turn on the ignition and there is total silence. There is no clicking. On these occasions, the dash panel gauges all come up and I still have the power to operate the trim. I have checked the battery cables and they are securely connected. The battery is fully charged. Usually, I am able to fool around with the throttle handle, and eventually the motor starts. However, for the last two days, I have had no luck at all starting the motor. When I turn the ignition I get total silence. So, is the problem with the starter solenoid? If so, is there any connection with the trim switch problem?

 

[Bt Doctur]

"Battery cables" clean and tight AT BOTH ENDS ,starter and engine block. Trim power wires wired directly to battery ,not the starter..
A weak alt output
When it happens again ,short the 2 large lugs on the slave solenoid,
starter works= suspect slave solenoid , neutral safety, ign switch. Nothing happens= suspect battery,connections

 

[Bondo]

I go to operate the trim switch and the motor konks out, but only momentarily, because I instantly release the trim switch and the motor resumes normal operation.
I have been having trouble starting the motor. SOMETIMES I turn on the ignition and there is total silence. There is no clicking. On these occasions, the dash panel gauges all come up
Usually, I am able to fool around with the throttle handle, and eventually the motor starts.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Sounds to me like pinched wires inside the controller,....

 

[alldodge]

When I turn the ignition I get total silence.

So no gauges, no click, nothing. Check for power (12V) at the key switch on the Red/Purple wire. If power is there, then turn key ON and see if it is on the Purple wire

 

[Bob Dwyer]

OK, guys, I will follow suggestions, and keep you posted. Many thanks!!!!

 

[Bob Dwyer]

OK Previously, when I was starting the boat I would put the throttle in neutral (straight up and down), push the 'throttle-only' button, push the throttle all the way forward and then pull it back to a detent at about 30? from vertical. This is the way I was taught by the previous owner to start the boat. Anyway, I tried some of the suggestions that you mariners made, but no luck. I finally called the local marine shop and they said they would send somebody out. 10 days later, when he arrived, I was on the road on a trip. The mechanic called me and told me that the engine started on the first try. He told me to just be sure that the throttle was exactly in neutral. I got home a few days later, went to the boat, performed my usual procedure and nothing happens. It would not start, it does not click. Then I figured he means to put it really into neutral. So I set the throttle straight up-and-down, and the engine started right up. I'm happy that it starts, but I don't know why it won't start using the usual procedure. It must be some wires in the throttle controller. I'll let you know of further developments. Thanks again!

 

[alldodge]

You have a fuel injected motor and therefore there is no need to put the throttle in throttle only mode unless, there is an issue with continuing to run once started. The old full throttle and back to neutral was used with carbs and it was to set the choke, your motor does not have one.

With throttle being moved forward from the neutral position and nothing happens it sounds like the neutral safety switch is being deactivated.

Edit: Don't know if you have a EFI motor, so belay the first comment. Still think its a neutral safety switch

 

[QBhoy]

Your latter post might suggest that you had it in gear and the interlock was active ?

 

[Bob Dwyer]

Thanks guys. I do have a carburetor, and the engine used to start using the 'throttle-only' method. I believe that technique was meant to put some gas in the carb before turning the ignition. But, for now it starts just fine if I leave the throttle in neutral. Maybe I'll get into the throttle mechanism to see if I'm still in gear when it's supposed to be throttle-only.