HELP!!!! Starting Issues

Haven’t found a ground issue yet but, I have power coming out of the coil, just not from the distributor. I replaced the new sensor inside the distributor with another brand new one. One of the steps for diagnosing is to check the continuity between the red/white wire and the green/white wire. Anything below 100 ( I think it was) means the sensor is shot. Both of them registered zero. I know stuff can be bad right out of the box but WTH. Don’t know what else it would be if I’m getting power to the distributor but not to the plugs. But also no fuel at injectors, no rpms or oil pressure when cranking.
 
Still haven’t found any bad grounds. But noticed, when I release the key after trying to start, I get one quick pulse from the injectors. Just put a new ignition switch in, no different. Possibly the 90 amp fuse at the starter?
 
I must have everyone stumped! So I purchased a scan tool and noticed, when the key is in the run position I have 12v to the ignition, when I turn it to the start position I have 0v at the ignition, then 12v again when I release the key. Any thoughts?
 
So, more trouble shooting and i have found that if I jump the slave solenoid I get spark, fuel, etc. but when turning the key to start it cranks but no spark etc.
 
struss3 said:
I must have everyone stumped! So I purchased a scan tool and noticed, when the key is in the run position I have 12v to the ignition, when I turn it to the start position I have 0v at the ignition, then 12v again when I release the key. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
There are two possible configurations -
1 - the starter solenoid has a bridge that when engaged provides also 12V power to the engine systems.
2 - the key switch when turned to Start continues to engage the engine power systems.

If you acquired the new key switch that requires the starter solenoid to bridge the power and don't have the correct starter then no power, obviously.
Most boats are 2 above.
 
Thanks for the quick responses. I get the same results from the old key switch and the new. Going back to when this first happened, boat ran great on a Saturday, Monday nothing. Installed a new starter, had same results. Would that mean the slave solenoid is bad?
 
I tested each key switch with a meter as described in service manual 24 and both check out fine.
 
Also, before changing the starter, most times it would take 2-3 turns of the key as I would only get a click then it would start. Now it cranks every time, just no spark. Only if I just the slave solenoid.
 
Describe how you are jumping the slave. Does it start and run then? Do you have 12v. on the small r/y wire at the slave with key on? Got good clean connections on the 90 amp fuse?
 
Thanks for the response scoflaw. I am jumping the 2 terminals on top of the slave. It was the last thing I did last night so I didnt get to start and run it, but its the first time since this problem that I have had spark, fuel etc. Yes to the 12v at the small r/y wire on the slave and I have cleaned almost every wire connection on this boat at this point. Definitely the 90 amp, shiney as new.
 
Thanks scoflaw, picking one up later today. I'll report back, hopefully that is the issue. Not sure how much longer I can do this before it ends up as a nice reef!
 
Well, not the slave, checked voltage through wiring. 12v all the way around through the barrel connector, only getting 7-9v at slave on small red/yellow wire. I guess it’s between there and engine side of barrel connection
 
Could go all the way to the ignition switch. tell us more how everything works when you jump the slave.
 
Starts when I jump the slave. Checked for 12v and had it all the way to ignition side of barrel connector, then checked small red/yellow wire at the slave and only had 7-9 v.
 
struss3 said:
Starts when I jump the slave. Checked for 12v and had it all the way to ignition side of barrel connector, then checked small red/yellow wire at the slave and only had 7-9 v.
Click to expand...

low voltage could be from a bad ground connection.

check those too.
 
Thanks Espos4, will recheck grounds again tomorrow. I think I have checked them all but could be one I’m missing somewhere.
 
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