F225 delay on starting

[dkg]

I have a new 2006 F225 I just put on my Grady-White. I am still breaking in the motor (3 hours so far) but today something strange is happening.

When I turn the ignition key, it can take several seconds for the motor to even attempt to start. I have driven some late model cars that have this kind of delay between turning the key and turning over the motor but I wasn't expecting it on the new outboard. And it doesn't happen all the time. Out in the middle of the lake, it is a little unnerving when the motor doesn't turn over immediately

The other observation I have is, during the time I am waiting for the motor to decide to turn over, the new multi-function gauges blank out and come back once the motor starts.

First question is: Is all this "normal" behavior? If not, I am thinking there is a voltage drop somewhere that is causing this. I also thought it might be related to the interlock on the controls to prevent starting while in gear. But that wouldn't explain the gauges blanking out (which might be normal behavior?) and playing with the shift control position doesn't seem to change the situation.

Once it starts turning over, the motor starts and runs great. I have observed no other electrical issues.

Thanks for any feedback to this issue.

Dave G.

 

[robert graham]

Re: F225 delay on starting

sounds like loose, corroded or dirty electrical connections, probably in the area of the battery, but check at the starter also. the moisture and vibration on an outboard motor can cause bad connections. go over boat and motor to clean and tighten nuts, bolts, connections on a reglar basis. Good Luck!

 

[dkg]

Re: F225 delay on starting

Well, I thought of that but the battery cables are new (came with the motor) and I checked the connections at the battery. I also had gone over the whole electrical system while the boat was out of the water waiting for parts for the new motor installation this summer -- there hasn't been enough time for the connections to become dirty or corroded

It doesn't act like a normal poor electrical connection unless the motor ECM or something is sensing a low voltage and waiting for it to improve before letting the starter motor spin. IOW, there is no lack of power once the system decides to turn over the motor.

 

[robert graham]

Re: F225 delay on starting

what is the state of charge on the battery? maybe put on 2amp charge over night. I know my motor turns over and starts much better with a "fresh charge" on the battery. also, those wing nuts on the battery terminals, some folks replace them with hex nuts so they can put a wrench on them. I still have the wing nuts but I do use pliers to tighten them. maybe a problem with your starter relay also. Good luck!

 

[dkg]

Re: F225 delay on starting

Thanks for the help.

My battery terminals have hex nuts on them.

I'll try putting the battery charger on it tonight. I have two relatively new batteries. Switching between the two, both exhibit the same problem. I kinda figured they would've been fully charged from the motor while running it today. Again, it seems to be fully charged only because it has absolutely no trouble turning over the motor once the system decides to spin the starter motor.

So, is it normal for the gauges to blank out during the start? I'm just trying to rule that out as a symptom of the problem. These are new Yamaha electronic multi-function gauges and I have never used them before so I am just asking.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Dave G.

 

[robert graham]

Re: F225 delay on starting

I don't know about the guages, but as long as they work while motor is running you should be fine. If your problem persists after you charge the battery, then maybe a bad starter relay or a bad ground somewhere in the system. a loose ground will give strange symptoms. there's a swith in the control unit that prevents sarting motor in gear...could be there. check the emergency cut off switch attached to the lanyard. Let me know what you find. Good Luck!

 

[dkg]

Re: F225 delay on starting

The gauges work fine but only blank out and restart when starting the motor. It is important to know if this is normal or a symptom of a power problem during the start. So, anyone who has those gauges, let me know please

I already considered the interlock switch in the controls, played with the position of the control with no effect. And if it was something with that interlock it is pretty strange that it would only prevent the start for a few seconds without touching the controls. Same with the e-switch/lanyard.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Dave G.

 

[robert graham]

Re: F225 delay on starting

I'm not much of an electrician but wonder if there is such a thing as a slow or sluggish starter relay. maybe one of the experienced experts on here can shed some light on this "starting delay" problem. I'll be interested to find out what this is.

 

[cousinabe]

Re: F225 delay on starting

what does the voltage read on the gauges?
key on/motor off: check voltage
key on/motor on: check voltage

on the yamaha gauge, there should be a mode button. push it till you get to the battery gauge.
report back.

i would double check the cables ends, both on the battery and on the motor. make sure they are clean and tight.