electrical switch or starter problem with mercruiser 350 mag mpi

[Capt. Doug]

I have a 2005 Baha 299 sportfish with twin 350 Mpi Mag engines, one engine has been having a starting problem when I turn the key I get Nothing and after two or three Key turns it will usually kick in and start. At first I thought Neut. Safety switch, boat is Inboard, transmissions are ZFE/63A. I did find a loose shifter cable at transmission and adjusted it to match other engine and she started a few times right away and now is back to turn key two or three or more times and nothing then will finally start. What am I missing? Does this sound like some other problem? Starter or some other problem? This has been getting worse over two seasons and does not do it all the time but is getting worse and im afraid whatever is going on will soon just go out. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

When you turn the key you should hear 2-beeps. If no beeps are heard then your not getting power the ECM.
Do you hear the beeps?
Do you hear the fuel pump turn on for 2 to 3 seconds?

If this is the case need to see if your getting 12V on the purple wire on the key switch.
If you get 12V on the purple wire, check to see if you get 12V on the Yellow/Red wire going to the slave solenoid

 

[wrench 3]

The late Don S left us some good information at http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-troubleshooting-your-engines-starting-system

 

[rick3452]

I just went through this.... I cleaned the connections on the Slave and solved the issue......

 

[Capt. Doug]

Guys!
Thanks so much for the info! I do get the beep when key is turned and I do hear fuel pump for the couple seconds. I am pulling boat out of storage in a couple weeks and since I live in another state and cant get at boat until then I will going thru these checks as soon as I get to it. What would b? the best way to clean the contacts on the slave solenoid? would that be a part that should be changed at this point?
Again I thank you guys for the help, its at least a direction for me to go!
Capt. Doug

 

[alldodge]

The part number is 89-96054T and doesn't cost much. No way to clean the internal contacts, just need to replace

 

[Capt. Doug]

And after re- reading your advise I see that you are saying the wire connections on slave not something in it. Thanks

 

[Capt. Doug]

Since my problem is OFF an ON and seems to be getting more frequent the connections seem to be logical.

 

[alldodge]

And after re- reading your advise I see that you are saying the wire connections on slave not something in it. Thanks

Agree, my misreading your post

 

[alldodge]

The slave solenoid is a high failure rate item, have replaced them in both my boats for the similar issue

 

[wrench 3]

I've replaced my own slave solenoid twice but I still test them first. First one was from Mercury and it only lasted three years. I've got a Sierra Marine on there now. We'll see how long that one lasts.