Help, won't start
 

Hi Guys,

My 95 502, 271 won't start.

I used it 2 weeks ago, everything was ok.
Tried to take it out this w/e and batteries were dead, I left the depth sounder running.
Gave it a normal recharge for a couple of hours and seemed like the batteries were't taking a charge.
I borrow my buds hd charger and got started on a 40amp charge.
I let it run for awhile on the hose and test started a few times before heading to the launch, a 20 min drive.

It won't start at the launch, so I towed it home and put it on a maintenace charge for a couple of days.
Now it is dead on the ignition key, accessories work but the starter doesn't even click, nothing.

I am not very good with electrical so what do I check.

Can I hot wire the ign switch to test that??
Can I cross anything on the starter solenoid to jump start it there??

I will test the batteries with a meter, but they should be ok, the hatch lifts fine.

Any help is welcome......

First off take the batteries to auto zone or whatever and have them load checked, meter isnt going to tell you a whole lot. After that and if it doesnt fix it, they are cheap and a lot easier to take in and out than a starter, is try the starter solenoid, they are like 10-15 bucks, its the little part that has the red reset button by it, usually on the top left of the engine, but could be top right.

Try those things first. Along with it follow every wire from the battery to the ground on the block to the starter and alternator to ensure they are tight.

If you haven't done so already I would e-mail formula and see if they will send you the wiring diagram it makes trouble shooting a little easier. Since everything else is working and its not clicking or anything else I would check to see if you have power going to the starter soleniod.

First just jiggle the shifter making sure its in neutral good. Sometimes silly things are overlooked. Then you can check with a test light to see if the starter solenoid is getting power while someone is turning the key to crank. At that point you can determine if its further down the line or before the solenoid.

+1 Helped a guy this weekend with this issue. He had already changed the batterys and spent all of saturday at the dock over it. Wiggled the shifter and it fired right up.

Thanx for the quick replies.
I am sure I fooled with the shifter, but I will double check.
It would be ok it that is all it is, even if I look like a dummy.

My neighbour has a battery load tester, I'll check them, then the solenoid and work ahead from there.
Thanx

I did the same thing last time out. found it as soon as i pulled the boat out of water.

It's official, I am an idiot.

I went home at lunch to check the shifter, sure enough, flashed right up.

We'll have to keep this secret though....

I think this would fit in this thread, your secret is out: :party-smiley-004:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...ml#post3964288

I've done my share with the bilge plug!! lol

Thank goodness for simple and no cost repairs.

Hahaha yes we have all had those issues. But because of some issues with the batteries, it might be worth while to still do a load test and check it out. Also on the starter solenoid might be something to throw on the checklist next spring, like I said they are 10 bucks or so, find them pretty easy on ebay. takes about 10mins to replace, and are the root of a lot of problems. I know guys change them every few years.