weird starting problem

[shaenjay09]

hey guys back again.
a weird problem happened to me this weekend. went to start my 87 ebko 3.0 mercruiser with alpha one and it seemed like the motor only got spark when i had the starter ingauged. as soon as i let the key off the start point it wood die. i hit the throttle and it wood fire until i let the key off again. it did this about 20 times. then i tried it again and it fired. ran fine all day. same thing the next day. its almost like a switch isnt closing when the starter disengages. any thoughts? maybe slave silenoid?

 

[Don S]

Re: weird starting problem

Most likely a failing ignition switch or safety kill switch if all your wiring connections are clean and tight.

Until you get it fixed, make yourself a jumper wire with alligator clips on each end. The, if you are out on the water when it decides to fail completely all you have to do is hook your jumper wire up between the battery postive terminal and the + terminal on your coil.
Instant ignition switch until you get it fixed.