Neutral start switch?

[Alaboat]

I would first remove the solenoid(if it is a socketed type) and just jumper the 12V connection to the lead going to the starter to see if that causes the starter to operate. If that works, then check the voltage on the terminal that comes from the ignition switch to see if you get 12V when the ignition switch is held to start. Only problem with that last measurement is there is no load so if you have a bad ignition switch you could get fooled.

Post a picture when you find it to show us what it looks like. Makes trouble shooting easier.

To me it sounds like it's your neutral safety switch. That is more likely the problem than the assist solenoid.

I tested the neutral safety switch yesterday only for cut off function with no voltage. I simply checked for continuity across terminals and then activated switch to see if there was a change which there was. Metal rocker portion of switch was not bent and looked to be in good shape.

 

[Lubak572]

My 01 does the same thing once in a while on one of the motors. Seems to only happen after running a while (an hour or so) then trying to restart after on anchor for a while. One motor won't do anything after turning key, No guages, audiable alarm, nothing. I have to dig into this.

 

[Alaboat]

I googled assist solenoid for both Volvo Penta and OMC to see what the part looks like since my boat has some of both in it. I then crawled all over the engine with mirror and flashlight looking for the assist solenoid and couldn't find anything that looked like a solenoid. Started at the starboard exhaust riser and branched out. There are three 50 amp breakers with the red reset buttons on brackets on starboard and front side of engine, knock sensor towards rear of engine and a switch/solenoid on the side of carb but no assist solenoid. I do have a reman engine but went back with the same type engine that was originally in there. Where is it hidden?

 

[Alaboat]

BruceB, per your suggestion, I took some pictures of all of the electrical components on the engine trying to locate the illusive assist solenoid. I then found the adults only section at the top of this forum where I found a thread on the ignition system. Per that info, I think I don't have a solenoid but a relay for Volvo. There was a Hela Relay P/N 4RD 960 388-3i with 4 wires coming from it. Behold, I think I've found it (See picture). Tomorrow I will follow the testing steps outlined in that thread. More to follow.

 

[alldodge]

That's it, and you can get those at most auto stores cheap.

 

[Alaboat]

That would be the best case scenario; bad relay. The starter/solenoid are fairly new so hoping that's not the culprit.

 

[bruceb58]

Pull it out and look at the contacts where the relay plugs into the socket. They could be corroded.

 

[Alaboat]

Pulled the relay harness and all looked clean inside with no corrosion, Then performed the testing as noted in the Adults Only section with multimeter and got good results on the harness end. Jumpered across A and B harness sockets and starter turned over. Good News, its the relay. Went to auto part store and for less than $6, I'm back in business. Started right up:thumb:. Was about to call it quits and haul it to the shop where there was a 3 week backlog.

Thanks for all the help and this forum. The relay I purchased works but I'm gonna keep it as a spare and order the correct one that locks to harness and is more sealed against moisture​

 

[Maclin]

Nice