View Full Version : Starter gremlins
Jeff Griffith
09-16-2002, 05:46 PM
I have been a regular reader of the site since buying a 79 2+3 w 260HP alpha-- last year.
Recently while running at high speed-- the engine began to miss, initially at high speed only-- then lower rpm's too-- until it quit entirely. The engine would restart and run-- only if the key was turned all the way to start.
I replaced the starter switch assy--and the boat ran fine for about 20 minutes-- then began the missing--and eventually stopped again. It would again run-- if the key was turned all the way (and held) in the start position--
Any ideas? Is this a solenoid going?
Gritz
09-16-2002, 06:07 PM
Sounds like it could be an ignition switch to me or Maybe the kill switch if you have one.
I had the same misfire issue with a bad kill switch but I don't know if the start position bypasses it or not.
Pretty sure your coil is going bad, take a wire direct from battery plus to the positive side of the coil then start it. If runs fair change out the coil, it runs with key turned because you are giving it a full 12 volts coming up from the stater when the key is released the voltage drops via a built in resister. 90+ sure if you try another coil all will be well.
Jamesbon
09-16-2002, 07:03 PM
Yeah, take a look @ the coil. Had the same thing years ago, after 10 years of cussing! I had the starter rebuilt and coil replaced, all was well after those mods.
She wouldn't crank when hot and would sometimes miss when loaded up as we were trying to get on plane.
Do you have a Mallory Unilite ignition :( or porcelain voltage resistor? Towards the end, I had to "hard-wire" in a switch to bypass the the resistor while cranking the engine, then once she started, I'd click the switch to feed the coil via the "resistor."
Finally, I upgraded to a Pertonics magnetic ign. sensor and rid the problem
Ultimalely, I built a 509 c.i. BBC with Merc Thunderbolt IV ign., and well, I'll let you know how she does :D :D :D
Oh yeah, check all of your "ignition related" wires and crimped on connectors, sometimes they'll wreak havok!
RickR
09-17-2002, 07:43 AM
With a Digital Volt/Ohm meter check the voltage on the switch side of the ballast resistor. If it is more than a couple of tenths less than battery voltage you have too much resistance (bad wire or connector).
BTW Some marine engines use a resistor wire instead of a ceramic ballast resistor.
With electrical problems on a marine engine ALWAYS!!!!! check your grounds (NA to points type ignition because the ground goes to the distributor)
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