Intermittent starting problem on port engine and generator

[Kreole Kid]

1) I noticed the last time I untied the lines that my port engine doesn't start right up when the switch is pressed. At first I thought it might have been the transmission lever not properly placed, but after moving it back and forward a couple of times, it still would not start. So, after fueling up, I noticed that it did it again. I have to press the start button about 3-5 times before it actually starts. I checked the actual start button and all seems to be well. I went out to the marina today and lifted the hatch and listened while I attempted to start the port engine today and I heard a couple of clicks while pressing the start button and then she started up. What gives:smt100

On the same night, I could not start the generator from the remote switch in the cabin. Today, I tried to start the generator and , also, heard a couple of clicks while pressing the start button for the generator, then she caught, and fired right up and ran for the duration with no problem. Again, What gives:smt100:huh:

 

[sccchiii]

My guess....slave solenoid on port engine, very common on marine engines. I had exact same problem and it was slave solenoid in engine (8.1l). Part is only about $20. Do a search on this site, pretty straight forward to replace.

Generator battery is bad...replace it.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Before replacing any parts, Load test your batteries and check all battery connections including all of your ground connections.

 

[300SR]

Before replacing any parts, Load test your batteries and check all battery connections including all of your ground connections.

Connections cheap to check. That's where it all starts....batteries!

 

[Kreole Kid]

Dam exhaust hose came loose on the port side port engine and had water flying ALL OVER the dam bilge:smt013. I think some things got wet that weren't suppossed to get wet and this is why I'm having some problems. Caught it late last night after noticing the bilge had water and other parts were wet as well. It was the hard plastic section that goes into the downward section going into the muffler.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

+1 on checking connections including the ground - especially the main ground connection on the engine block.

 

[sporters78]

any updates as i have the same problem going on
thanks

 

[Kreole Kid]

any updates as i have the same problem going on
thanks

No udates as of yet Steve, I did pull the starter button out of the port pod to make sure I had a good connection. I think my problem might be either the starter or a solenoid of some sort. I just have to take the time and diagnose it when I get some time. Kind of been in a REAL funky mood lately. Business is really slow for me right now, so I don't have much time for the boat right now.:smt009

 

[roadkingh1]

any updates as i have the same problem going on
thanks

I am not sure if my 7.4 mpi is similiar, but I can tell you that had the same problem. It was on my starboad engine and what you heard was a clicking sound when I attempted to start the engine. I was able to eliminate my batteries by using my port batteries by using the crossover switch, but it was the same. The fact that it was making a clicking sound told me that it was not the neutral switch from the transmisson. The slave solenoid picks up the 12 volts though the neutral switch. Measured 12 volts at the solenoid but nothing out. If that is your problem, you can get them for around $15 to $20.

 

[sporters78]

ok on the 8.1s where is the slave solenoid and where to buy?
thanks

 

[roadkingh1]

ok on the 8.1s where is the slave solenoid and where to buy?
thanks

Sierra part number is 18-5816 (Iboat.com). Mercrusier part number is 89-96054. This is for a 7.4 mpi, but I think it is the same. It is located on the right side of the engine in your electrical box. My has the specification label on it. Your electrical box has a 50 amp breaker on it and the solenoid is located beneath it. This was the Fix to my problem.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

ok on the 8.1s where is the slave solenoid and where to buy?
thanks

It's on the top of the engine in the same area as the computer box (on the same side as the remote oil filter). Why not swap the port/starboard solenoids first and see if the problem moves to the other engine before looking to replace? They're available at any marine parts outlet or online.

 

[carterchapman]

Hey Bruce,

Did you find the cause of your starting problem yet?

 

[Kreole Kid]

Hey Bruce,

Did you find the cause of your starting problem yet?

Hey Carter, Unfortunately I haven't had MUCH time on my hands at all for the boat lately. Business has been extremely slow for me and I might have to get out of boating for a minute. :smt089I will keep you guys posted...

 

[Steve Craig]

Another vote for the slave solenoid. Mine had the same intermittent issues last year. Batteries first then connections. Another spot I looked at was the neutral safety switch on the throttle.

 

[Kreole Kid]

I realize that this is an older thread and I did swap out the solenoid and that was the problem. Fast forward to last night, Replaced the strbrd solenoid and the new one didn't work!!!

Has anyone encountered this before, A BRAND NEW SOLENOID NOT WORK OUT OF THE BOX??????

 

[Kreole Kid]

Bump:huh: