It takes 20+ times pressing the start switches to get motor to engage

T

Tom Minnick

New Member
May 18, 2019
17
Boat Info
2005 340 sportsman
Engines
Merc 8.1. (2)
when I start my merc 8.1's on our 2005 340 it takes 20 + times pressing the toggle switch before starter engages. This happens on both motors
 
It could be the slave solenoid for that engine is going out. You should be able to swap it between your engines to verify.
 
Strange that its both engines. Do you hear anything (like a click, or clicking) when you press the toggle switch? Before the engines are running - do you have any issues with anything 12v related? Not sure what your battery setup is, but might be worth checking your battery connections.

Also - has it always been this way? or did it just happen one day, on both engines at same time? Seems unlikely to have two switches, or slave solenoids fails at the same time.
 
markrsimon said:
Strange that its both engines. Do you hear anything (like a click, or clicking) when you press the toggle switch? Before the engines are running - do you have any issues with anything 12v related? Not sure what your battery setup is, but might be worth checking your battery connections.

Also - has it always been this way? or did it just happen one day, on both engines at same time? Seems unlikely to have two switches, or slave solenoids fails at the same time.
Click to expand...

Just hear a click (if i take shiftier out of neutral of course no click) no other issues, Started last year with port engine. I would have to push toggle switch 5+ times to start Now this year progressively worse and both switches.
 
Can you get a meter on it. I would start at the helm and see verify that the switches are working, the connections do fail there. Then check battery draw on attempted start. Unfortunately I would also pull a starter and have it bench tested.
 
Do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds when you move the toggle to the run position?
 
Both of my motors had this problem within 30 days of each other. Replaced slave solenoid on both engines . Very easy fix. For the last two months after replacing they both start / catch on first push. About 550 hours on 16 year old engines.
 
Happened on jetboat twice. The starter got wet inside and rust got on the brushes
 
On my previous boat, I had this exact issue. The slave solenoid got pitted and would not make good contact. But as I would push the start the solenoid functioned, and would slightly rotate the copper connector.... and eventually gets to a good connection and turns the motor over.... then My buddy’s boat had e same thing....

Super common...
 
You could always jump your slave solenoid any day this happens and you’ll know real quick if it’s the problem. Again, your description is exactly what happened on my boat. I swear some of these things are designed to fail. Ie both my IACs fail every 150 hours.
 
mquiet said:
Can you get a meter on it. I would start at the helm and see verify that the switches are working, the connections do fail there. Then check battery draw on attempted start. Unfortunately I would also pull a starter and have it bench tested.
Click to expand...
yes, i will try
 
Like mentioned, jump the 2 larger connections on the slave, which is right next to the 50 amp breaker on top of your motor.
 
daddyox said:
Both of my motors had this problem within 30 days of each other. Replaced slave solenoid on both engines . Very easy fix. For the last two months after replacing they both start / catch on first push. About 550 hours on 16 year old engines.
Click to expand...
Thanks I will test slave solinoids
 
Tom Minnick said:
Yes but it happens on both motors
Click to expand...

While it is logical to assume that both would not fail at the same time, don't fall into that trap. The best approach would be to trouble-shoot one engine at a time. Maybe the ultimate issue will be something common to both engines, but I wouldn't make that a hard assumption.
 
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