Please help diagnose intermittent starting problem

[Smile Maker]

My 06 220SD with 5.0l MPI is having intermittent problems starting.

Sometimes (usally the first time I try) to start it, there is no response. Just the regular BEEP that it makes when it cranks, but no crank. no nothing.

Sometimes that happens two or three times. Then I'll turn the key again, and she will fire right up.

Battery is two years old. Volt gage on boat is showing 13-14 volts.

Yesterday was the worst yet. We were all the way across the lake, and it would not do anything when I turned the key. over and over, no response to turning the key. I got a friendly boater to hook up jumpers. Tried one, two, three times - no response at all. The fourth time I tried, she fired right up.

I pulled the battery and am taking back it to the shop to let them test it. But I am thinking it must be something else, because when she does start, she fires right up (no wah wah wah sound like a weak battery).

What do y'all think? A loose connection somewhere? Anyone had a similar problem that was (hopefull) quick and cheap to fix?

 

[moparlvr4406]

Potential connection issue at the starter relay
big question is...where does the power disappear ??

 

[AKBASSKING]

I would think it is a straight shot to the starter and the starter solinoid.

 

[Smile Maker]

I would think it is a straight shot to the starter and the starter solinoid.

Great thanks! I serached the boards and saw similar problems that were caused by either bad "slave solenoid relay" or bad connections around there.
I am totally inept at repairs. But I think I will google up the "slave solenoid relay" so I can even find it on the engine. I think I can test if there is voltage going across it. Look at all the leads for corrosion. And maybe try replacing it.

Or dang, maybe I'll just take it to the shop!

 

[rcm]

Had similar problem, turned out to be ignition switch.Pretty easy fix, starts every time now.

 

[Cocktail Time]

I also had similar problem fixed by ignition switch replacement.

 

[Phlorida]

I had the identical problem and it turned out to be the slave solenoid relay. The part was around $30 and the replacement took about 10 minutes.

 

[dpvandy01]

Slave solenoid

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Wiggle the shifter while trying to crank.
The safety cutout might be the problem.

 

[chandalen]

Make sure the three contacts of the ignition switch (5 if you count the fuse) are clean. A pencil eraser does wonders for cleaning them!

 

[Smile Maker]

I hear no click from the engine on the times when it doesnt start. Do you think that may point to the ignition switch over the solenoid?Where did y'all buy a new ignition switch? And where did you find the solenoid for $30 or so - on ishopmarine.com the solenoid is about $110.Thanks for your help!

 

[rcm]

Got my switch at Sea Ray dealer, around $30.00. Need boat year, model, and engine size. Helps to have old switch with you.

 

[CliffA]

I hear no click from the engine on the times when it doesnt start. Do you think that may point to the ignition switch over the solenoid?Where did y'all buy a new ignition switch? And where did you find the solenoid for $30 or so - on ishopmarine.com the solenoid is about $110.Thanks for your help!

use a voltometer or 12VDC test light at the 'incoming' terminal on the slave solenoid to check to see if there is current coming from the ignition switch to the slave solenoid while someone turns the ignition key....if you do get voltage from the ignition to the solenoid then check the 'outgoing' terminal of the solenoid to see if there s 12VDC leaving the solenoid when someone turns the ignition key....if there is power coming in to the solenoid but no power leaving the solenoid then the solenoid needs to be replaced...if there is no power coming from the ignition switch to the solenoid then there is likely a problem with the ignition switch or the wiring between the ignition switch and the slave solenoid....if there is power both to and from the slave solenoid when someone turns the ignition key you likely have a problem with your starter or starter solenoid or the wiring between the slave solenoid and the starter....it probably would not hurt to clean all of the wiring connections as well to insure the problem is not simply a bad connection...

cliff

 

[Bob & Sue]

This is out of the mercruiser service manual on how to check ignition switch.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Have you physically checked the connections (clean and tight) at the spots mentioned in above posts? Start with the easy things, first. Then proceed to diagnostics. If connections aren't clean and tight, diagnosing can be extremely frustrating.

 

[Smile Maker]

Have you physically checked the connections (clean and tight) at the spots mentioned in above posts? Start with the easy things, first. QUOTE]

Admittedly no. :huh:

I will recheck all connections and clean if corrosion is showing this weekend and repost next week.

Thanks, all!

 

[Bob & Sue]

Have you physically checked the connections (clean and tight) at the spots mentioned in above posts? Start with the easy things, first. Then proceed to diagnostics. If connections aren't clean and tight, diagnosing can be extremely frustrating.

Completely agree with Dennis I had a temp gauge acting up it would work then quit never knew when it would work it turned out to be some corrosion in the engine wiring harness plug. I now inspect as many connections as time permits in the bilge that I can see on a regular basis about once a month also I check all the hose clamps you'll be surprised how easy it is once you start doing it and how many things get loose from vibration.
I posted the diagnostic for the ignition switch only so you wouldn't start buying parts without knowing which to purchase that gets expensive ask me how I know.