HELP

[ruby6689]

My husband recently bought a '70's retro boat which was in great condition, deceased estate, one lady owner, used only once a year and never in salt water...I kid you not! The solenoid needed replacing which he did but we now have the problem that it cranks over as soon as the key is turned to the first position without the click to begin with (accessory position on car). Can anyone shine some light on this problem as we are at a loss. The motor is an 85HP 850 Thunderbolt Mercury. Thanks in advance. Lorraine

 

[roscoe]

Welcome to iboats.

I'd guess that the ignition switch itself is bad.

Or, the wires are not connected correctly on either the switch, or the starter solenoid.

 

[mjf55]

As roscoe said, either you wired the starter relay incorrect or the key switch or wiring to the switch is bad. Here is the wiring diagram for your era engine, Check for voltage ( 12 volts ) between the two smaller connectors, not the large one that go to the battery and starter. I assume that you will see voltage on the when the key is on. It should only be when in the start position. On the diagram, you can see what key positions get connected when off, run and start. Verify them.
You should be able to find where the issue is using a DVM and the diagram

 

[ruby6689]

Thank you very much, just about to give it another try....fingers crossed.

 

[gm280]

If the ignition switch is original, then I would suggest the switch itself is bad. However, If the ignition switch has been replaced before, it sounds like someone didn't wire it back correctly like stated above. If the starter solenoid was shorted or stuck closed, it would be trying to start continuously even without the key. So I would check the ignition switch first. JMHO