4.3L Mercruiser electrical issues!

[SupaDoopa]

Me and my father tested the boat last night to make sure all was well, cleaned the motor, and got her hooked up to go early morning fishing. We get to the dock, turn the ignition and it cranks once then nothing. I turn the key again and nothing - not even a click. I suspected fuses and check them all and even replaced the ignition thinking that it could be an issue there. After crimping and getting that all squared away, nothing. I then immediately put the battery on a tester and it at around 7V's for I charged it and then hooked it up - nothing.

I took my finger and followed the MAIN positive terminal to under the motor and realized it felt loose. I tilted my head in that cramped spot and realized it wasn't connected to anything and was just free floating. It seems like the wires are connected to the starter but I can't seem to find where this one goes to. Does anyone have a diagram to where I can try to repair this myself versus having a mechanic charger me 75$/hour to fix such a small issue?

I appreciate all the help!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser electrical issues!

a lot of i/os use the copper battery post of the starter solenoid as the positive lead connection point You will find the output of the alternator, main power to the boat and othe wires there. I would think that is where you should connect the positive battery cable.

 

[SupaDoopa]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser electrical issues!

Is this why I can see a red wire already? I figured it already had power to the starter due to that but I guess not. I can see the copper from the inner wiring that as angled upwards. Maybe it's possible that the piece that holds it to the starter fell off. Do you have a picture of what that piece looks like that holds the bare copper wiring inside the red [positive+] terminal to the starter post? I'll be more than happy to go out and get one tomorrow to finally enjoy the boat without any worries!

 

[SupaDoopa]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser electrical issues!

I now have the starter kicking. When I turn the key fully, the motor starts, when I let go and let it fall backwards a tad like a normal key, the motor decides it wants to die out. Any suggestions?

 

[SupaDoopa]

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser electrical issues!

I double checked the kill switch and it seemed to work. Maybe it was stuck but it's working now and she purs like a kitten. Thanks for the help, guys. The terminal slid out of the slot for the starter terminal. I pulled it, unbolted it, refabbed them together, then reinstalled. Trial and error, guys. Thanks!