Not sure if boat starts correctly

[lutzinmn]

I have a boat with a 305 Mercruiser with Thunder Bolt IV ignition. When I turn the key to start up the boat, the starter turns over but boat does not start until I let go of the key. Is this normal or do I have something wrong with ignition wiring or starter proplems?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Not sure if boat starts correctly

Ayuh,... It's possible the starter is missing a wire,...
There should be a wire on the outboard small terminal to supply power to the igntion while cranking...

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Not sure if boat starts correctly

I have a boat with a 305 Mercruiser with Thunder Bolt IV ignition. When I turn the key to start up the boat, the starter turns over but boat does not start until I let go of the key. Is this normal or do I have something wrong with ignition wiring or starter proplems?

Did this just start happening out of the blue, Or did it start doing this after doing some kind of wiring job to the boat someplace?

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Not sure if boat starts correctly

Sounds like your ignition switch is going bad. There are sep terminals on it for the ignition and starter. Sounds like the 'RUN' position isn't getting power when the key is turned all the way to 'START'.

 

[lutzinmn]

Re: Not sure if boat starts correctly

Boat Tech - No it did not start out of the blue. I bought the boat last year. And that is how it started since I had it. I will check the wiring at starter and ignition this weekend.

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: Not sure if boat starts correctly

Im with "TJMarten" on this check the ignition switch with a volt ohm meter. common to run in all three positions.