1988 four winns starting issue

[slasher729]

First time post here, i'm currently have an intermittent starting issue on my boat. 4.3 omc, it'll start sometimes just with the key and sometimes with jumping the starter. I put a volt meter at the key and it has power but down at the solenoid at the actual starter it doesn't. Next time i figured possibly the slave relay for the starter but now it starts fine with the key. I plan on taking the slave solenoid to get tested. Possibly that slave is going bad and just randomly wants to work? I couldn't replicate the issue and try the slave because at that point it just wanted to randomly start with the key. Any help is well appreciated. Also while this problem was starting i could get it started with the key and it would idle low and when i gave it gas wouldn't do anything. So i could turn it off and hot wire the starter and it would run fine.

 

[Lou C]

I'd go and check all the connections that affect the starting circuit:
Battery cables-> if they are attached to the batt with wingnuts it's best to replace with locking nuts. The cables themselves if original are a corroded mess by now; I replaced mine about 12 years ago when I put in a dual battery system--use 2 gauge not the smaller 4 gauge. Make sure the engine ground (on the bell housing behind the starboard side manifold) is clean and rust free.
Check the 3 terminals on the back of the ignition switch.
Do the same for the assist solenoid (on the engine bracket behind the main engine wiring harness) and the starter solenoid. All of these points can have corroded terminals.

These are very common old boat electrical issues.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Agreed, sounds like Corrosion of the wirin' terminals,....

Don't forget to clean the Grounds too,....

'n slather 'em with grease after ya clean 'em, so they don't corrode again,....

 

[slasher729]

Well I took the starter slave off and got it tested and it's fine. Checked the ground on the back of the block and was as clean as can be. Used dielectric grease on it for good measure. Cleaned all the terminals on the slave and at the starter and solenoid. Starts great but I'm still skeptical because it was doing the same thing last weekend until I got on the water then had to hot wire the starter. Has to be a bad connection somewhere but nothing looks corroded. Tightened everything up and I guess we'll see what happens on Saturday. I have a boat mechanic coming tomorrow to put a new shift cable in and adjust it, shifting a little rough. Will update.

 

[slasher729]

Boat also has two new batteries and new cables with a blue sea battery switch. Problems were present before any of this.