New engine, won't start

[onelastbolt]

We have a 1984 260 Merc, the engine siezed last year and we had it rebuilt. The engine is back on the boat, all if hooked up (so we thought) but it doesn't start, it doesn't even crank, we must have a wiring issue somewhere, any suggestions or help PLEASE!!!:smt100

 

[gerryb]

On that year engine, no crank usually means problem with the starter motor. Check your batteries, wiring to motor, juice to motor from batteries, motor itself and starter relay/solenoid, in that order. Also, I have seen cases where the key switch was not working (corrosion). I would check that first - should see other items power-up when the ignition is turned or just test with a multimeter.

EDIT
Just noticed that you posted it to the Ask Sea Ray Employee forum... so ignore my post...I'm not with Sea Ray!

 

[wileecoyote]

You should put this in general repair questions. First, as previous poster said, go to the starter and check for power at the large lug which should go to the battery. There should be a smaller wire (usually Purple on cars) This will get power when the key is turned to run. If both have 12V (make sure connections are tight) then the starter should spin. If your real brave, make sure the bilge is clear of all fumes and touch a screwdriver between the large lug and the smaller one that the key would excite just hit it for a second to see if the starter will spin. This should get you started (no pun intended)

 

[onelastbolt]

Actually, we need help and are not picky, it does't have to be from a Searay employee. Thank you for your reply. We can get the starter to spin. There is voltage at the altenator with the exception of the purple wire. There also isn't any reading on the wires at the coil (new coil). There isn't any juice to the key switch or the gauges. :smt021 Any suggestions would be welcome!!!

 

[gerryb]

Not sure I'm completely following the sequence of the items you've tested BUT you might want to tell us more about the switch and gauge testing you have done so far first. If the problem is there, we don't want to mess around in the ER. Also will be a less expensive fix to replace a bad ignition switch.

 

[keokie]

Not sure I understand all the symptoms and what you are testing.

You may well have an electrical problem. But since you said the last motor seized, and this one will not turn over.... Have you checked to make sure it will turn by hand? If you have had a catastrophic outdive failure, it can prevent the motor from turning over. You wouldn't be the first person to rebuild a motor due to a bad outdrive.

 

[wileecoyote]

Yea, this is really confusing. I would take a little time and write out a step by step of whats been done so far and what diagnostics have already been completed. First detail the issue. Won't crank means the starter doesn't turn the motor over. Cranks won't start means it just cranks but never catches. When you say the starter spins but the motor won't crank??? That would mean the starter is not engaging the flywheel? Be a bit more specific please!
I wasn't suggesting that you were only looking for Sea Ray employees help, but some people may not look in a Sea Ray employee thread, so the people that view it may be less.