Quicksilver Generator Winter Gremlins

[tmal2]

I've got a 7.5KW Quicksilver genny in my 1989 340EC. The generator was running perfect when I winterized it last year.
When I went to install the battery this year starter is turning without the bendix drive engaging as soon as I attach the battery cables. For some reason I'm getting power to the starter without engaging either the remote switch or the one on the unit itself. I've disconnected the wires to both switches to eliminate one of those as the issue and still had the same problem. The starter turns without the drive popping up and engaging the flywheel.
The only things I can think of at this point are the starter solenoid or something on the control board that's causing voltage to make it to the starter.
Has anyone had a similar issue or have any advice as to how to move forward?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PlayDate]

Tim,

That is most unusual. Are you sure about the + and - connection to the battery? I know that may sound lame but I believe it would explain the starter motor turning in the wrong direction and not throwing the bendix into the flywheel. It would also explain why the starter solenoid is "on".

 

[tmal2]

Tim,

That is most unusual. Are you sure about the + and - connection to the battery? I know that may sound lame but I believe it would explain the starter motor turning in the wrong direction and not throwing the bendix into the flywheel. It would also explain why the starter solenoid is "on".

View attachment 55462

I'm certain the battery is hooked up correctly. That was the first thing I checked. LOL
The starter is not spinning in reverse. It's just spinning without engaging the bendix drive and cranking the motor. I'm still leaning towards a stuck starter solenoid at this point. Thanks for the wiring schematic. I've actually got the service manuals for the unit. I just have not had the time to investigate more yet.

Thanks again for the input

 

[PlayDate]

If you disconnect wire 56 from the solenoid or the control board, that will tell you if it is the control board or the solenoid that hasn't released the circuit. It still does not explain why the spring loaded bendix is not moving into position but the only way to check that is to pull the starter off. It is always something......

 

[tmal2]

If you disconnect wire 56 from the solenoid or the control board, that will tell you if it is the control board or the solenoid that hasn't released the circuit. It still does not explain why the spring loaded bendix is not moving into position but the only way to check that is to pull the starter off. It is always something......

PD, I'm humbled. I've been working on my own boats for over 30 years and I was certain that the battery cables were on the correct posts. Well, I was wrong. The eyes are not what they used to be and it appeared to me that everything was hooked up properly.
I switched the cables and it didn't spin the starter. I tapped the start button and she started to crank as usual.
Since the boat is not in the water yet I couldn't start the engine. Is there anything I should be concerned about? Could I have damaged anything?
Thank you again for your advice/input. I still can't believe I did that

Tim

 

[PlayDate]

Tim,

We all do it. A friend had a bendix issue on a race car starter 20 years ago and he couldn't understand why three of his starters would act that way. When I looked at his bench had a red and black cable but they got attached to the battery reversed and ran the starters backwards.

It shouldn't be a problem. The control board has diodes on it that protect it from back feeds. As long as it starts and runs okay.....it is just a fun story to tell. I'm glad it was something easy.

 

[tmal2]

Tim,

We all do it. A friend had a bendix issue on a race car starter 20 years ago and he couldn't understand why three of his starters would act that way. When I looked at his bench had a red and black cable but they got attached to the battery reversed and ran the starters backwards.

It shouldn't be a problem. The control board has diodes on it that protect it from back feeds. As long as it starts and runs okay.....it is just a fun story to tell. I'm glad it was something easy.

Story to tell???? Oh no. There is no story here. I'd never hear the end of it if I told my boating friends. This goes to my grave with me.
Thank you again for your help