ContinuousWave   Whaler   Moderated Discussion Areas   ContinuousWave: Small Boat Electrical   Electric Starter Motor Not Operating    search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author	Topic:   Electric Starter Motor Not Operating
fox3060	posted 02-05-2010 07:06 AM ET (US)         When I turn the key [on a 1994 Boston Whaler RAGE] the starter does nothing. I jumped it from the battery with cables and it seems to work, just not with the ignition. any ideas? Thanks. I just finished replacing the thermos, head gaskets, and water jacket gaskets. Fox
Martino	posted 02-05-2010 07:54 PM ET (US)             From your description, I will assume you have the OMC engine. Take a look at the starter solenoid. Two small terminals at top. One goes to a wire to ground. The other goes to your key switch. Hit the switch wire with 12 volts. Starter should engage. If it doesn't, and jumping the starter directly makes it turn, then you have a bad solenoid. If it does turn, then you have a problem with the ignition switch, wires, or connectors in between.
Jerry Townsend	posted 02-05-2010 08:08 PM ET (US)             Many solenoids have only one small contact - for the positive power source - with the negative taken via the metal housing mounted on the engine - or other grounded location. --- Jerry/Idaho
fox3060	posted 02-05-2010 10:30 PM ET (US)             Thanks for the input guys. I'll let yu know what I find.
Martino	posted 02-06-2010 03:34 PM ET (US)             I think nearly all automotive solenoids that aren't built onto the starter have one terminal. All OMC ones that I have ever seen have two. I'm sure its because they can charge you more this way!
Martino	posted 02-06-2010 03:37 PM ET (US)             One other thought, my Rage has the Yamaha drive system, which does not have a lock-out to prevent starting "in gear." If the OMC has a lock-out, you could have a problem with the lock-out switch or wiring too.
jimh	posted 02-06-2010 10:18 PM ET (US)             I recommend you read and follow the advice given in Electric Starting Circuits http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/electricStart.html for diagnosing problems with electric motor starting circuits. The article gives detailed information on all the points in the circuit where a discontinuity in current flow could cause the starter motor to not operate.
jimh	posted 02-06-2010 10:20 PM ET (US)             [Moved to SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL.]

Hop to: ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General AreaContinuousWave: Whaler MarketplaceContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/ModsContinuousWave: Whaler PerformanceContinuousWave: Cetacea CommentsContinuousWave: Small Boat ElectricalContinuousWave: Trips and RendezvousContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers