Kelly
My problem was the neutral switch connection on the shift lever. I replaced the starter--not the problem. But then I found a loose connection--while drifting outside Martinez marina which is not my local berth--on the wires to the shift lever to the start button. (I have an Ericson boat).
Now Dream starts like magic--well like she should.
Roger
Dreamtime
Kelly:
When we bought our boat about 7 years ago we started experiencing the same problem. It was driving me crazy, as I always felt that sometime the engine just wasn't going to start though it always did. I think that the problem is the number of connections and their condition from the starting battery to the starter. I hesitate to tell you what I did as I am sure that some will not agree as a matter of safety......with that said:
I purchased a new starting-type battery and connected it directly to the starter solenoid by-passing the main A-B switch (it will become the "B" battery). I then connected the second "house" battery to the "A" connector on the Main switch. I also added a connector from the "B" post on the Main switch to the new "B" starting battery. I hope you can follow this. It was pretty easy and didn't require any new cables or anything. It allows me to start my engine using only the key in the engine control panel. It is totally independent of the Main switch inside the cabin. The Main switch inside the cabin basically became on on-off switch for the house battery with the capability of adding the house battery to the starting battery in case of an emergency.
I feel that the basic problem is that everytime there is a set of contacts or a cable connection there is a potential problem. My solution is to keep the number of contacts and connections to a minimum and make sure the ones you do have are clean.
I picked up and installed a battery combiner at a local automotive supply store (Kragens here on the west coast) for about $35. It charges both batteries when ever the engine is running. West Marine sells a better combiner for about $80-$90 but I didn't see it at the time.
I am very happy with the results the engine cranks over 99.9% of the time with one push of the button.
Now get ready for a ton of emails warning you of the potential fire hazard if the cable from the battery to the starter shorts out. There is that danger. If the cable shorts to ground there is no switch to turn it off. The cable would then overheat and possibly start a fire. This system is basically the same as used in a car and I feel reasonably safe.
Good Luck,
Bill Charron
Boderline
Olson 911SE
Received on Mon Aug 25 20:44:28 2003