Turn the key, nothing happens

[Michael-Searay]

Boat starts fine first off but after a run and has sat for a while am getting nothing when the key is turned. I try all the obvious things (no battery switch, to turn on), lever is in neutral, lanyard stop switch is OK, have fuel, connections on battery are cleaned every trip so not dirty connections, battery is fully charged even hooked up all accessories to run of a second battery after the first time thinking (although nothing running) I was running the battery down somehow, then try the key a few more times and it will fire strait up, and run fine all day.

Am thinking perhaps starter motor or ignition system and would appreciate some advice on what is the more likely to go and I will replace that component first.

Thanks

 

[QC]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

Just to clarify. When this happens, there is no resulting action from turning the key to the start position? No click, No clacks, No starter turning at all. Nothing. Right?

If so, first, you need to use a simple multi-meter to see if that position on the starter switch produces any voltage.

 

[achris]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

First question... Do the instruments come on when you turn the key to 'ON'? If not, check the fuse in the red wire leading to the key switch for corrosion.. (Found a few with this problem, must be the Australian air )

Next question... What are we working on here?

Chris.....

 

[Michael-Searay]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

Beautiful, will do that today, thank you

 

[Michael-Searay]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

Hi Chris,

yes all instruments come up, working on 2004 Searay bowrider, 135 mercruiser.

 

[achris]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

If the instruments light up, then it's not that fuse.... Use a test light and start probing places like the starter slave solenoid and the starter solenoid. You have a wiring diagram? If not, here's one....

 

[Don S]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

Here is how to quickly find the problem.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[Michael-Searay]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

Thanks guys will get a test light and have a poke about.

 

[Michael-Searay]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

OK, firstly thanks for your detailed point by point instructions. For a beginner like myself who did not even own a test light or know what a solenoid was or did before today they were very informative.
I have run your tests and the verdict is a bad solenoid. I will try to upload a photo as I now need to remove and replace this part and am having trouble undoing the bolts that seem to hold this mounting frame to the engine, am I missing something are they supposed to stay attached to the engine? does the plastic slave solenoid slide out of the metal frame?

 

[Don S]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

You have to remove the two bolts in the picture below. How you get to the bolts and nuts, is take it apart as necessary.

 

[Michael-Searay]

Re: Turn the key, nothing happens

11mm spanner in behind did the trick, will be fun getting/holding the new nut in place no doubt, but that will be next weekends challenge.
Thanks again