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Mysterious starting problem

H

hmeloche

New member
I have an 1988 Wellcraft with a MerCruiser I/O. When I turn the key to aux. all needles in gauges work. When I turn key to start the engine I hear a click and the engine begins to crank for just a 1/4 of a second. Then it stops and all gauges stop working and horn and blower stop working. It is as if I blew a fuse. Battery is fully charged. At first I thought is was a faulty egnition switch. Replaced it (twice) so I am confident that is not the problem.

Interestingly, when I let the boat sit for about 5 minutes, (without touching anything) blower will turn back on and horn will once again work and gauge needles will work again, until I try to start it, then everything shuts off again with the same pattern. It is as if there is some time delayed shut-off. I had it running about a month ago with no problems. I do not see any bad fuses. (Nor would I expect a bad fuse to heal itself).

Does anyone know what may be causing this?

H
 
Have you checked the battery cables for corrosion and tightness on both ends of each? Also inspect the engine barrell plug for corrosion and tightness. Take a look at the main engine circuit breaker for corrosion. Push down firmly on the red reset button.
 
I would start by cleaning battery cable ends and posts. I had a simular problem and after I cleaned cables and another componet on the Pos cable post clamp, everything started working properly.
 
Thank you, all, for your advice. All connections were in great shape and very clean. This is why I was confused. However, after the various folks stressing connections, I rechecked everything and found that the positive battery cable had corroded where it was crimped/clamped to the connector. As a test, while everything was still not working (but the blower switch was on) I pressed down on the pos cable and the blower came on. This was the bad connection. I cut back the pos cable an inch or so to get to clean wire and put on a new connector. This time, instead of using a connector with a screw down clamping mechanism on the cable, I used one in which I had to slide the cable into a copper sleeve and solder it in place to ensure a lasting and secure connection. Then I wrapped to remaining exposed wire (about a 1/2") thoroughly with electrical tape to avoid exposure to the elements.

It worked right away. And I am hoping that my extra effort will prevent future corrosion.

Thanks.
 
I have extra terminals on board with me, and and two batteries, one for starting one for extras (audio) and a Perko switch. And a portable quick jump. For me or others. I have been stranded one two many times. Give a whole new meaning to "Floatin Radio"
 
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