Starter relay???

[MAXXIE]

I took the boat out for 1 more run about a week ago. The battery was fully charged a day or 2 before that. I've never had an issue with doing this before. I was alone & splashed the boat like always, hopped in the boat to fire it up so it warms up while I park the truck. Turned the key,...nothing! I was like holy s*it what do I do now? Well, after a little struggle I had it back on the trailer. Yesterday I planned on doing the winterization, charged the battery in the morning, hooked the water up & turned the key, nothing! I had a junky test light & I do have power to the relay, problem is, I can't reach the key in the cockpit & hold the light where I need to. I'm going to get a longer test light today, but does it sound like it's the relay? Never had any problems before this with starting, always fired right up strong. Do relays fade out or just go just like that? It looks to be the original relay from 1985. BTW: 1985 Force 85 HP outboard. Thought's?

 

[fucawi]

Re: Starter relay???

Its usually called the starter solenoid..To test your system ..put in neutral ..key off ..the put a large screwdriver across the two bolt heads on the solenoid ..your motor should crank ...So thats your battery and starter wiring tested. Now go to the key and turn it ..you shuould hear a ckick from the solenoid....If you get a click but no motor runs then the contacts are burnt...you can pull it apart and re build but that up to your skill ......If no click then put test light across the two small terminals...if no light your wiring to the key or ground is faulty ..if it light but no click the coil in the solenoid is open circuit .......

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Starter relay???

Solenoid, that's what I ment to say. I'll give the screw driver test a shot as soon as it tops 25 degrees out there, hate this friggin' cold already. Thanks, Master Chief

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Starter relay???

Screw driver test: Starter kicked in. I need to get a new test light, but I'm swapping out the solenoid/relay anyway, I'm pretty sure it's the problem. Thanks, any other comments? Heading out now for new test light (need one anyway), & to try & find a solenoid. There are only 2 marine shops with in driving distance for me today, time restraints, so I hope to have this taken care of quickly. Thanks again, MAXX

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Starter relay???

The day my solenoid gave out I took the boat out anyway. Turn the key on and short acrossed the terminals and it'll fire right up! Short term solution to a long term problem!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Starter relay???

Just jiggle the control handle from forward to reverse then back to neutral. It is very common for the neutral interlock to be out of place. Below the carbs on the starboard side of the engine is a brown switch with two yellow wires attached. The actuating cam must be placed so it depresses the white button on the switch. With age, the setting may change and while the engine still is in neutral, the cam does not quite depress the button. Moving the control handle will center the cam again. Do this first anytime the engine does not crank over.

 

[fucawi]

Re: Starter relay???

good point frank ....I often think people have done whats odvious to me only to find they missed the basics...your other post on aliignment of the cable /.switch/cam will be useful in this respect .....

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Starter relay???

I wish it was that simple. I picked up a solenoid(not the same one, smaller but he said it will work) for $15.00. Installed it & it fired right up. I'll keep shopping for the right one, but for now, good enough. When I was unbolting the neg. bolt on the solenoid housing cracked almost in 1/2 & I was not using that much force on it. Just go's to show you, it was old. Thanks guy's, MAXX