Engine Won't Start

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1982 Checkmate with a Mercruiser 898 of the same year. Everything ran fine when I winterized it last year. I went to put the battery in and start it up this weekend, turned the key and got nothing, not even a click. I have seen the post in the adults only section about how to troubleshoot the starting system, but I also saw that I don't have any power to the gauges when the ignition is in the "on" position, so I'm not sure that anything is actually wrong with the starting system - it may be a separate electrical problem. I cleaned up every connection I could find, and I am sure the battery is fully charged. Any ideas on what I should try next?

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Check the red or the red/purple wire on the ignition switch. That is power from the battery, if no voltage, work your way back to the engine through the fuses and connections till you find the where the power stops.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Thanks Don - I assume you mean use the same method as you say in adults only, using a test light?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine Won't Start

I went to put the battery in and start it up

Ayuh,... Are ya Sure ya hooked up ALL of the battery wires,..??

 

[greg82255]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Yea I'm sure they are all hooked up. I tried starting the boat yesterday having not touched anything since last year when it ran fine, got nothing when I turned the key. Then I decided I would clean the connections - One at a time I removed them, cleaned them up and put them back together, still nothing. How many fuses are there that could be the problem? I see of the 50 amp breaker on the engine but where else is there a fuse/breaker?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Engine Won't Start

so if you didn't touch anything since last fall does that mean the battery was left connected all winter??

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Did you check (With a Meter or Test light) power to the ignition switch like I suggested?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Dubs - The battery was removed for the winter, nothing else was touched. to start the motor, I actually put in a brand new battery that I plan to use in my Formula.
Don - I have not checked the power to the ignition yet. Haven't had a chance to get out there since my last post. I asked the question about the fuse locations in case I need to do as you suggested and start working my way back to the engine. I will update as soon as I get a chance to look at it again.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Engine Won't Start

We have an 1982 Checkmate also. Had the same problem with ours, There is a inline fuse link way under the dash. It is the red wire coming from the ingnition switch going to the starter.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Alright, I'll first check for power to the ignition, and if that works, I'll try and find that fuse. Thanks

 

[dpoff]

Re: Engine Won't Start

Battery switch on? Had to ask!