OMC Starting problems

[Camillou]

Hi, <br />I've got a 1978 OMC Saildrive - Zephyr - that just won't start neither with the Key nor manualy. A made a few tests. I got good sparks from both plugs when I try to start it manualy (I used a spark tester) but no sparks at all on neither plugs when I try to start it with the Key. When I try to turn the key to start, it make the same sound then when you try to start a car in winter (I'm from Canada) but it won't start. I suspect a problem with the key switch. A made a test suggested in the manual (solenoid switch)and I it seems that I have 12 volts at the B point of the key switch but no volts at the solenoid. <br /><br />Can the problem with the key switch prevent me from being able to start the engine manualy ? Is there any possible relation ?<br /><br />How can I be sure that the problem is the Key Switch ? ... could it be the solenoid switch ?<br /><br />Tanks in advance

 

[jim dozier]

Re: OMC Starting problems

There are people on here who are better with ignitions, but you should be able to check whether you have ~12 volts at the solenoid. The solenoid is just a heavy duty switch for high amps. The ignition supplies current to the solenoid, when you hit start the switch supplies current to an electomagnet that causes the solenoid switch to close and the starter motor gets current. If you have current at the solenoid you can jump it across the big terminals and see if the starter turns. If so you probably need a new solenoid. This however does not explain why you can't start it manually. You may have more than one problem or the problem may be in your ignition switch.