Stopped by the boat today planning to get prep'd for some work that need
to get done.
Figured I should kick the engine over just to make sure everything was
running smoothly. Unfortunately I got nothing (absolutely nothing) from
turning the key.
Batteries seem fine. Able to run radio - and no visible dip in power to
the radio when trying to turn over the engine.
I had a similar experience a year ago after running the diesel for a few
hours - wind came up and we sailed for a bit, but then couldn't
re-start. That day I easily found a loose wire (clearly it had shaken
loose with the engine running for a long period) off a clip on the
starter solenoid (?).
That was my first check today - but it was attached. Pulled it off to
clean contact but no effect.
I figure there are 3 possibilities
1- ignition key failure - no signal to the starter to kick over
2- starter/solenoid failure - I doubt this as I'd expect some type of
noise or power dip indicating that something was seized
3- electrical connection failure - I can see a large wire leading to
what I presume is the solenoid, plus a couple of smaller wires connected
as well. Nothing obviously disconnected
I need to head back down to the boat with a voltage meter - try to
figure out what is going on and hopefully find an easy fix!
Any advice is appreciated. I presume is the key is working them I'd get
a voltage spike at the solenoid when the key is turned. If nothing then
it suggests either 1 or 3. Where should I see that?
I expect I'll pull the panel and check the contacts behind the ignition
key - maybe try hot-wiring it if I can figure out which wires are needed
Should I use automotive jumper cables to bypass the starter and try to
spin the starter/solenoid directly?
The engine is a Volvo 2002 18HP
Thanks in advance for the advice,
Mark
There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.
- George Santayana
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