Starting Issue 1988 85HP

[Cali_fisher]

I went to start the boat and it would not start. I thought it was the Solenoid because I could jump accross +/- posts and it would fire up. Replaced Solenoid and I still have the same issue.
So, in order to get my fishing trip in I ran a wire from + and one from - to a toggle switch and have been starting it that way.

QUESTION:
Could bypassing the solenoid like this cause any issues? Everything seems to be working great like this so I would rather leave it alone.
What else should I do to track down the problem?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Starting Issue 1988 85HP

Look on the other side of the engine. Below the carbs will be a brown switch with a white button. This is the neutral interlock switch. Occasionally due to age and compliance the control cable will not correctly place the activating cam to depress the button. The quick fix is to cycle the control handle from forward to reverse and back to neutral. This sometimes puts the linkage back to where it depresses the button.

The long fix is to loosen the two screws that hold the cam and slide it in the groove until it correctly presses the white button.

Then, you can get rid of your jury rigged start.

Issues: 1. You can start in gear--dangerous. 2. If you are jumping the high current battery connection you need a heavy duty switch