Have owned this engine (on a pontoon boat) since 96. Very few problems. This week when I went to start it there seems to be no electricity to the starter. All other electrrical on the boat works fine (running lights, tilt, etc.) When I turn the key not even a single click comes from the engine - it is as dead as a door nail. The only change that has been made to the boat recently was the additional of a 400 watt inverter directly off the battery. The boat had worked fine with it installed. Since this problem has occured I have removed it just in case that is the problem but no luck. Any ideas on where to start? Thanks!
<br /><br />Rock it back and forth from forawrd to reverse a few times, while trying the starter. It could be moisture in the the neutral switch. Just as in an auto, it wont start in drive, and if the switch got wet, it might think it's in gear.<br />Also, check the small yellow lead going to the solenoid, to make sure it is clean and tight on the solenoid. Check the the solenoid is grounded well also.<br />If you get a clicking sound, butt no starter, it may be a defective solenoid.