Intermittant no start

[G_Hipster]

99 Bayliner 5.0. I would say once out of every 10 times I get a no start. So I reach up, scratch my head, hit the key and it starts. Also when this happens the trim pump will not function, but I seem to have power at the gauges and lights. I'm not real familiar with these electrical systems but I'm thinking a problem on a main power line somewhere. I have a new ignition switch on it's way just because.

Just trying to get some ideas before I go digging because Intermittent is hard to pick up on with a dvom.

 

[tlewis1]

Start at the battery..one of the biggest reasons for a no starts it a bad connection at the battery...Clean all the connections on the neg and pos cables and ensure both a tight on the battery post.There should also be no more then 4 connections on each terminal.

 

[Bondo]

Start at the battery..one of the biggest reasons for a no starts it a bad connection at the battery...Clean all the connections on the neg and pos cables and ensure both a tight on the battery post

Ayuh,.... 'n to go along with tlewis, don't forget those cables have 2 ends, so clean to shiny metal Clean the other ends as well,....

Greasin' the connections will keep 'em from corrodin' again too,....

 

[G_Hipster]

Thanks guys. Wasn't really thinking that as batteries and starter were replaced just before I bought it. The battery endslook great, but sometimes the last place you worked..... Just have a feeling this is an issue the previous owner was fighting.

I'll check it out when I get some dry weather here.

 

[G_Hipster]

Finally got out there for a look. First day in a week with no rain. Sloppy spade terminals on the ignition switch. They had the holes for screws, go figure. Soldered some ends and put the new switch in. Didn't see any other hackery while I was in there. Everything on the buss bars looked good. Found one ground wire(black) by the starter selenoid on the intake that exits the harness loose. Are the Harnesses generic some might have an extra wire for something?