Formula 233

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May 2, 2016
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Ok so I went to start my boat in the driveway yesterday and my passender engine fired up.switched the muffs and my drivers side will not fire up.I first checked to make sure it was in neutral and nothing.my second thing was to test power to ignition and it had it.so I then used my continuity tester and the switch passed.but I went ahead and switched ignitions out because it is only 3 wires and nothing...on either side.now my passenger nor drivers side will fire up.both engines have a button on them right by the starter that the previous owner installed to start the motors without having to go up and start the motors (I have no clue why)but those buttons will crank the motors over but they won't start they just crank.so now it will be headed to a shop to get fixed but I was wondering if you guys had any thoughts.96 4.3 mercs gen+.
 

alldodge

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I'm thinking either the 20 amp fuse blew which feeds the key switch, or your lanyard stop switch is not in the run position. Next to the throttles there should be a switch that says "run". If that is in the run position next check the voltage on the Red/Purple wire for 12V (fuse will be on this wire)
 
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I'm thinking either the 20 amp fuse blew which feeds the key switch, or your lanyard stop switch is not in the run position. Next to the throttles there should be a switch that says "run". If that is in the run position next check the voltage on the Red/Purple wire for 12V (fuse will be on this wire)

OK I will check.what would explain both ignitions not working after switching them?
 

alldodge

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OK I will check.what would explain both ignitions not working after switching them?

The starboard (drivers side) motor may have blown the fuse. You swapped the key switch to the port (passenger side) motor and now it blew that fuse. Just guessing right now, need so testing
 
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The starboard (drivers side) motor may have blown the fuse. You swapped the key switch to the port (passenger side) motor and now it blew that fuse. Just guessing right now, need so testing

OK thanks for your help.my boat has solar panels so their are wirestill going alot of places.are you able to narrow down where this fuse is?Is on the lanyard switch wire or the fuses box or by the motor?thanks again
 

alldodge

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It's under the helm (dash panel), start at the key switch and find the Red/Purple (red wire with a purple stripe) wire and see if you have 12V. If you don't see 12V, follow the Red/Purple wire and there should be a fuse holder.
 
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I don't have a red and purple wire but I will just trace all of them and try to find the fuse but if I remember right one goes to the fuse box and the fuse had 13.1v
 
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2j11z61.jpg
 

alldodge

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My bad, I'm thinking this is a newer model. What year is the boat and what engines are in it?

Edit: wait you said 1996 and 4.3's correct?
 
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alldodge

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So neither motor will crank over now using the key, but they will crank over using the PO switch on the motor, correct?

In the pic below look for item 8, this is the slave solenoid. There are 4 wires on it, two large and two smaller. Put a meter on the small Yellow/Red wire and then turn the key to start, you should see 12V and the solenoid should click. Also check item 7, this is the engine breaker to see if it clicks when pressed, it should not.

4_3L elect diag.jpg
 
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