Korkie
Active Member
- Feb 2, 2016
- 1,331
- Boat Info
- 2006 340 Sundancer, Garmin 7610, xHD 24 Radar, VV703, SeaStar Hydraulic Steer, Shadow Drive AP
- Engines
- Mercruiser 496 Mags
Bravo III Drives
When you use the emergency crossover, it uses a solenoid to join power at the individual port and strb solenoids in the engine room. The power is not joined at the dash switches. Since the port motor starts with the crossover (e switch), this indicates the dash switches are most likely ok. But you can switch them anyway to rule that out since it doesn't cost anything and can be done pretty quick. Although my first approach would be to clean ALL connections from the batteries to the starter, real good. Disconnect the port battery bank positive side going to the port motor. Working from the starter, take the connections apart and clean the posts and wires really good. Also check that the wire ends are clean and not corroded. If they are, put new ends on or have them put on if you do not have the proper tools. A small battery operated drill or impact tool with a wire brush works well. After each connection, re attach the battery bank and try to start motor. Keep moving towards the battery connection following the wire until everything has been cleaned. You are now assured you have good-clean connections throughout the power route. It sounds to me that you have an interruption of power somewhere. Either due to a poor (dirty or loose) connection or a bad component. After everything is clean you can start testing each component. My bet is the starter solenoid. It is either dirty or bad. After you get the port motor straight, clean up the contacts on the stbd side as well. This way you know you have good clean connections on both starting systems.
When we got our boat it was 10 years old. One of the first things I did was to inspect all the power connections and clean them up. Some were really clean and others - the ones that were hard to get to - were quite dirty. A dirty or loose non conductive connection will give you intermittent problems that can be quite aggravating. Cleaning things up, although they look good from the outside, gives me piece of mind that the connections are solid. Good luck.
When we got our boat it was 10 years old. One of the first things I did was to inspect all the power connections and clean them up. Some were really clean and others - the ones that were hard to get to - were quite dirty. A dirty or loose non conductive connection will give you intermittent problems that can be quite aggravating. Cleaning things up, although they look good from the outside, gives me piece of mind that the connections are solid. Good luck.