solenoids

[pete42]

Have a 87 SeaRay..with 3.0L Chevy inline 4..Found one solenoid on starboard side of engine...Is there another? ....Thanks, Pete42

 

[Skinsk]

Re: solenoids

Why are you looking for solenoids?<br /><br />Those motors have two solenoids. Your keyswitch activates the one that you found, and that one activates the one on the starter..<br /><br />Scott.

 

[Dean173]

Re: solenoids

Hey, <br /><br />I have an '87 also, same engine.<br /><br />Are you trying to track down a starter problem?<br /><br />Mine was clicking instead of starting, not always, but sporadically.<br /><br />The "helper" solenoid you found has four terminals, two small ones by the base, and two large ones on top.<br /><br />I shorted out the two large posts with a good-sized screwdriver. If the starter turns over consistently when you short them, you found the problem. If not, it may be the other, starter-mounted solenoid or the starter.<br /><br />The "helper" solenoid (OEM) cost me a little under $20 at a marina.<br /><br />HTH, Dean

 

[pete42]

Re: solenoids

Thanks for the info...The problem I am having is it starts OK sometimes but then (intermitten) I turn key and "nothing"....It does this with engine warm or cold..After a few turns back and forth of starter key it "takes" and engine starts...(not a good feeling on the water though). .... I have cleaned all (that I could find) electrical connections and have replaced battery...Figure I would change the solenoids next then the starter (cheapest routes).....Any other suggestions?...Thanks again, Pete42

 

[braindead0]

Re: solenoids

Sounds like the ignition switch could be the culprit.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: solenoids

First thing to do, would be to reaplace that little solenoid that you found on the side of the motor. Those have a tendency to do that sort of thing. It's easy to get to, and fairly cheap to replace.<br /><br />Scott.

 

[MrBill]

Re: solenoids

Head for the starter...sounds like worn brushes and/or armature

 

[loadnet]

Re: solenoids

Sounds to me like you better seriously consider listening to BrainDead0's comment...<br /><br />The first thing you should do is try to get the ignition to duplicate the problem..<br /><br />When you are holding the key in the start position (and engine doesn't want to start) have someone throw a test light on the solenoid real quick to see if the ignition switch is sending juice - to - the solenoid to start with..<br /><br />If the test light doesn't light up when the ignition is in the 'start' position - clean or replace the ignition switch FIRST, then go from there...<br /><br />If you are holding the key in the start position and juice IS getting to the solenoid, TAP the solinoid with the handle of a screw driver or something and see if the engine spins over.<br /><br />If it does, clean or replace the solenoid you tapped to make the connection.<br /><br />That's what I'd do.<br />Doing a little testing eliminates your throwing costly parts at the boat.. <br /><br />Hope this helps you out..<br />Pat B. customerservice@401hosting.com

 

[loadnet]

Re: solenoids

I also forgot to mention that some boats shifter controls must be in Neutral position precisly or motor will NOT turn over..no matter what..<br /><br />Turn key into start positon.<br />Engine doesn't turn over?... wiggle the shifter around in the Neutral positon and see wha happens.<br /><br />It may be just a bad connection under the shifter control mechanisim. <br /><br />PB

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: solenoids

Pete42 Go with Braindead0 and Captain Hooknfinger they are on the right track, I had the same problem turned out to be the cheap "made in Korea" ignition switch.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: solenoids

If your worried about throwing away money on parts, just put a volt meter on the solenoid on top of the motor. One side will be hot, and one will not (and will also probably be a yellow wire with a red tracer). Put the meter on the side with no voltage, then turn the key. If you hear a click, but get no or low voltage (12 volts is what you want) on the meter, then it is the solenoid<br />That solenoid doesn't have to pass much amperage because all it's doing is sending voltage to the solenoid on the starter, which is the one carrying all the load.<br /><br />I've run into many more bad solenoids in this situation, than bad key switches. <br /><br />but hey.. I'm just the guy in the back.<br /><br />Scott.