Not Starting, no cranking

ebraunusa

Recruit
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
5
I have a 2002 bayliner with a 3.0 mercruiser. I was running it today and had no problems...until the end. I turned the key and it cranked for 2 seconds and then stopped. Now, it will not crank or do anything. No click noise. I checked the fuses, but they seen ok. When I turn the key to the "run" position, the gauges all function. <br /><br />I used a dummy light tester and check the ignition switch. The light lights up when I turn the key. <br /><br />Also, I was able to arc the sylenoid and it made several clicking noise.<br /><br />Do you have any idea what I am missing? Is there another safty fuse somewhere? Is the starter bad?
 

llerrad

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Messages
172
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Will engine turn over by hand (socket on crank pulley)? Check for hydro lock.
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Even if the engine were hydrolocked (similar to seized up) the solenoid should click, Mercs do have a circuit breaker on the engine with a red button, make sure thats not popped out first, but also check battery connections, just because your gauges work doesn't mean there is enough power to crank with.
 

Zoomer

Cadet
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Messages
28
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Mine wouldn't crank after the marine dealer worked on my controls. Turned out they messed up the neutral safety lockout switch. Probably not your problem, but it's one possibly that's pretty easy to eliminate.
 

ebraunusa

Recruit
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
5
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Zoomer -- How do I check the neutral safety switch and where is it located?<br /><br />Boatin Bob -- I did hit the circuit breaker. I can push it in about a 1/8 to 1/4 inch. I tried holding the cicuit breaker button and cranking, but still nothing
 

KM2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
556
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

I have had a similar problem twice. Once the emergency shutoff pulled out just enough to prevent starting. The other time it was my battery, it had a enough juice for the lights and etc but not enough to crank over. I would try jumping the boat to see if the battery is the problem. <br /><br />PS check the connections from battery to starter
 

ebraunusa

Recruit
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
5
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Thanks fot the idea about the battery. I already tried jumping the battery and I have tried flipping the kill switch. Any other idea?<br /><br />Is there a way I can bypass the safety shutoff switches and test the starter/solenoid.
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Remove battery connections and clean battery posts and connectors.
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

If you don't have a manual with a wiring diagram here is a link to some pdf files that will show you a 3.0 ltr engine wiring and the dash wiring. Your neutral safety switch is in your remote control, normally that shouldn't break this quickly but sh*% happens. You will see a yellow/red wire that goes to the starter slave solenoid, it comes from the ignition switch, through the neutral safety switch and then to the solenoid, I would start here because that solenoid should be trying to energize (click) when you hit the key to start. Get a meter and check that wire for 12v when you hit the key, if no 12v follow it back. Check out page 4 and 9 in the file.Merc Wiring Diag
 

ebraunusa

Recruit
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
5
Re: Not Starting, no cranking

Thanks Boatin Bob for the manual. I was able to follow the wires and I found a wire that had become loose. Thanks for all of the help!
 
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