J150 Intermittent Annoyance when off

[cdnfthree2]

Hi. Twice now I have turned my motor off and a noise continues to come from the motor. When it is making this noise it won't restart. On both occasions, after switching the key back and forth several times it has stopped and then I'm on my way. Since it hasn't left me stranded for too long yet I haven't had the chance to pull the cowling and check this out. Any Ideas or repair suggestions. Sound like a loud bilge motor or deck wash pump running without water but slower. Is this the water pump? Na, that's lower and I'd think it would still start, right? Could it be the starter spinning without engaging? seems more like it. I don't know, That's why I'm asking. Maybe you've experienced similar. Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: J150 Intermittent Annoyance when off

If you took time to remove the hood, you would probably find that the starter solenoid was sticking and the electric starter was spinning wildly.

(Starter Solenoid Sticking)
(J. Reeves)

Sooner or later a boater will encounter a situation wherethe key is released from the START to the RUN position, or to the OFF position and the boater suddenly realizes that the electric starter is still running. This is due to having the starter solenoid sticking in the closed (contact) position. Sometimes a whack to the solenoid will unstick it temporarily but usually it's necessary to remove the cable from the battery.

The cause? A weak battery or even a top notch battery that is running low in power causes a arcing within the solenoid that eventually welds the two opposing large terminals together.... the two opposing terminals being the large incoming positive battery solenoid terminal connection and the large terminal leading from the solenoid to the starter. The return spring with ther solenoid simply isn't strong enough to break that weld resulting in the continued flow of voltage to the starter.

The cure? If the battery is flawed, get rid of it and purchase a top notch battery. And also...... Replace the solenoid. Don't play with it, trusting that it won't happen again because it absolutely will, and that happening is usually in the worse possible scenario.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: J150 Intermittent Annoyance when off

Thanks Joe! I'll replace solenoid. Battery is top notch and perfect.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: J150 Intermittent Annoyance when off

I'd suggest that to avoid a posssible repeat of the problem that you remove and clean all cables pertaining to the starter circuit. This includes the battery terminals, battery switch if one exists, solenoid cables, starter, powerhead ground, etc. A loose or tight but dirty cable will result in a voltage drop which will also cause the sticking solenoid scenario.