volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

[2stroke1971]

I just bought an 86 capri with the volvo 4 cylinder and penta outdrive.

I wanted to just bump the motor over to make sure is spun ok, but the key switch did nothing. I assume it works like a car, the right most spring loaded turn would crank it.....

So I went back and jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver and all I got was a high pitched whirring....
as if the starter was spinning but certainly not turning the motor over. I was able to grab the main pulley by hand and roll it somewhat...Im gonna go throw a socket wrench on it and make sure the engine will in fact turn over freely....

Does this sound like a stripped starter gear? I wonder if that gear is replaceable or am I looking at a whole new starter? I guess I should pull the starter but any ideas would be greatly appreciated....

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Make sure the throttle handle is in nuetral.

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Alright, the motor does spin ok with a wrench on the main pulley.

The neutral position= middle, striaght up and down, and clicked out? It seems to click out, but it doesnt seem to stay that way...... If it is in neutral, the gas cable wont react to forward and backward movement right?

And in any case, even if it were not in neutral, wouldnt jumping the solenoid turn the motor?

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Handle should be straight up and down. May want to jiggle it a little while turning the key.

The clicking out you refer to is most likely the throttle only position for giving the engine throttle while in nuetral. click it out and push forward. Should stay out and work the throttle on the carb.

 

[Bondo]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

and all I got was a high pitched whirring....
as if the starter was spinning but certainly not turning the motor over.

Ayuh,... The bendix drive isn't engaging,... The Starter needs to be rebuilt or replaced..

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Mmmm.
So the gear is not "throwing out" so to say?
I wondered that. Im gonna pull it and check it out. It may be stuck I ' spose. I did see where parts are available for it so thats cool.

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

I would find out why the starter isn't spinning while turning the key first. No click from the solinoid even? If you want to pull the starter and have it bench tested, it couldn't hurt.

I've tried jumping a starter with a screwdriver just like you say. Spun around just the same but wouldn't engage only to find I had been leaning on the throttle control. Started right up after moving the handle. thats why I suggested checking the control handle.

Good luck, let us know what you find.

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

No click at all from the solenoid using the key. So if I trouble shoot it from that end--- I guess even IF the starter needs service, I should get to the point where its spinning but not engaging by using the key! Thats a good idea, captmello, that way Im not pulling the starter unless it really needs it...

thanks again!

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Check your neg. battery cable. Pull it off, clean it up along with the bolt it mounts on, reinstall it.

Do you get anything when you turn the key to the first position, which would be the run position? Does the outdrive tilt up and down?

Have you downloaded the manual for your engine and drive from the adults only section at the top of the I/O forum? There is a wiring diagram in that. Might help. AQ125 right?

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

The tilt works okay....
I dunno.
I havent been back out there in a few days except to shovel the 2 feet of snow off the tarp!!!

From what IVe read, I suspect the neutral switch....

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Some progress today. I only got to spend an hour or so because I had to fix my van earlier today. Once that was done I hopped on the boat...

I installed an alarm on the boat....might help...I live in a bad area.

Then I got to looking at the starter issue. I tried the key while jiggling the throttle, etc...got nothing.

I went back and found the starter relay. I contacted the two that make it start, and sure enough, it cranked! So the starter is not bad.

Then I hooked the relay back up and for laughs, I tried the key. It cranked! But only once, it wouldnt do it again. Im thinking the relay is being spotty. The connections were a little dirty also, I will clean those up. Ive dealt with LOTs of those on my Dodge and Plymouth mini vans. Ahh maybe the iggy switch... It was getting too cold and dark, so more tommorrow!

One thing, Im gonna add some relays to my breakdown kit thats for sure!

 

[Don S]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Did you check for corrosion on the pins of the relay? The best relay in the world isn't going to work in a corroded socket.

 

[2stroke1971]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Hmm.. No...Thanks!
Judging by the way the wire connectors looked, I bet it is dirty....
I wasnt sure there was a base there though, almost like the wires were connected directly to the relay, its not mounted anywhere-just sort of floating out there..I get the feeling this motor has been re-wired at some point, not sure if its even a stock relay. But, I will check to see if it is in fact on a base.

I do know that its had the electronic ignition conversion done, and there is a bit of random spagetti in the engine compartment though.

 

[captmello]

Re: volvo starter issue...bayliner capri

Well it sounds like you may have found your problem.

I'm interested in how its wired, can you take and post some photos? The wiring is usually pretty basic in those old boats.

Good luck.