I would suggest checking for power (12v) at the small wire on the solenoid with the ignition switch in the start position. This will tell you if the switch and wiring is ok. Use a test light if you have one. The test light will put a small load on the circuit, where as a volt meter will not. Another quick test is to short between the battery hot at solenoid and the small wire terminal and see if it turns over. Good luck
Doug Mountjoy Pegasus LF 38 hull #4 Ballard WA. Sent from my iPad > On Jun 5, 2016, at 8:12 PM, Dr. Mark Bodnar via CnC-List > <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like > what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions > are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
