Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

[nodumdrivers]

Hi all, i havent been here in a long time, but just thought id check back in.
Ive got an issue with my 1972 OMC/Buick I/O 155hp V6.

I didnt touch anything electrical (i hope). I went to start it and it turned over just fine, but the starter keeps trying to start - it wont disengage.

So i had to unplug the wiring harness to stop it. So with key off, i re connected the wiringharness and now when i turn the key to ACC position - it starts starting and the starter will not disengage.

I changed the ignition switch (hooked up correctly), starter and solenoid, and replaced the starter assist solenoid. Im stumped as to what to do now.

Im supposed to take it down to mex this thanksgiving weekend, but cant like this. All help is appreciated. thx.

 

[DJ]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

You must have a short between the run and start circuits somewhere between the key and the starter solenoid.

With all starter solenoid wires disconnected, you should not get any continuity (Ohm reading) between the start/run circuit and ground with the key off.

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

so by a short you mean: like a kink in the wire, or maybe old wire that needs to be replaced?

Electrical work is like trying to speak yittish to me, its the one thing im not confident doing. How should i start to go about looking for the problem?

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

oh and also, the voltage meter is reading way higher than it normally does, but now the temp gauge isnt reading anything as well as the oil pressue gauge. Something may not be grounded, or something like that.

 

[DJ]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

oh and also, the voltage meter is reading way higher than it normally does, but now the temp gauge isnt reading anything as well as the oil pressue gauge. Something may not be grounded, or something like that.

I think your problems are bigger than that. In my opinion, you've got some serious wiring issues. Fortuneately, your electrical system is a very simple one.

If I were you, I'd check out the simplest automotive electrical book you can, at the library. There will be allot of similarities, with one exception: you cannot ground anything to the hull. Everything needs to be grounded to the engine or battery.

Someone here may have a simple ignition schematic they can post. I'll look for one.

 

[DJ]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

Here are some books to look for.

Boating Magazine's Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems by Ed Sherman
Boatowner's Illustrated Handbook of Wiring, by Charlie Wing
Your Boat's Electrical System, by Conrad Miller and E. S. Maloney
Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, by Nigel Calder
The 12 Volt Bible, by Miner K Brotherton and Ed Sherman

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

Thx DWJ - good idea. I need to educate myself so i really know how the whole system works. No sense in buying new stuff if i dont know where the problem lies. ill give those a try. thx.

Since those other meters run off the ignition switch, im thinking there has to be something shorted out, a broken wire somewhere, maybe i wired the new solenoid wrong even if the other one went bad. hmmmm.... (it is 35 years old afterall) so ill start there.

Here are some books to look for.

Boating Magazine's Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems by Ed Sherman
Boatowner's Illustrated Handbook of Wiring, by Charlie Wing
Your Boat's Electrical System, by Conrad Miller and E. S. Maloney
Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual, by Nigel Calder
The 12 Volt Bible, by Miner K Brotherton and Ed Sherman

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

if it's the original wiring harness, and controller, it's long over due for a rewire, the insulation get hard and brittle, flakes of creating bare wires, which cases shorts. i opened a 71 controller and all the wires were bare.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

There's a schematic on line here that should be much like your setup:
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/wiring.htm
or
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/images/wiring/73_OMC_V8_all_big.jpg

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

Thanks for the schematic, it will be useful. So after some thought and annoyance, i got a new solenoid and installed it.

So now the engine dosent crank when in ACC position, but when you crank it start position, the starter keeps starting until i take off the ground wire on the starter assist solenoid.

The solenoid on the starter is getting current from somewhere, just dont know where and why when i take the ground off the Assist Solenoid (not the solenoid on the starter),. the starter stops trying to start. Electrical stuff behooves me.......

There's a schematic on line here that should be much like your setup:
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/wiring.htm
or
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/images/wiring/73_OMC_V8_all_big.jpg

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

Sounds like it could possibly be your ignition switch.

I am near you if you need a hand.

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

thats what i keep coming back to, but ive replaced it and still the same prob. If your serious about lending a hand, i could sure use it. Ive actually got a marine mechanic coming out to look at it on thursday cause im at a loss to where to look next. If you have time before, that would be great. If not, no worries.

Sounds like it could possibly be your ignition switch.

I am near you if you need a hand.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

I sent you a PM.

 

[salty87]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

I am near you if you need a hand.

now that's some friendly help. bruceb58, how long will it take you to get to austin? haha

this is a great place.

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

Bruceb58 - thanks again for extending your help. I'm under a time crunch so i dropped it off over at M&K Marine in el segundo. Said he'll have it figured out by wednesday morning. Otherwise, i would have dropped by with the boat to see if your wisdom could solve it. Again thx, and ill post as soon as i know whats up with it.

I sent you a PM.

 

[nodumdrivers]

Re: Starter keeps running on 72' OMC 155hp V6

BruceB & all who offered their help - got it fixed today. Turns out it was 2 problems.
1. The external voltage regulator was bad even tho the one i put on 2 weeks ago was new. Must have arc'd when i put the new alternator on. (always remember to disconnect the battery before doing any electrical work) - i know - sometimes we learn the hard way.

2. The ignition wire also turned out to have a kink in it and partly broken which made for a bad connection with the assist solenoid.

Now shes running like a top. All gauges work, put a new cork on the fuel gauge and now thats reading the correct level in the tank, full tune up done with manifolds, hoses, belts, wires, bla bla bla.....

Im taking her out to Pyramid lake early tomorrow morning to drive it for a good 4 hours and burn thru some gas just to make sure everything is tightened down and running properly. So if anyone is driving past and sees a boat doing laps around the lake - its me.