When I pushed the starter button the other day on my 1982 365, nothing happened. No clicking, no buzzing, no noise of any kind, and needless to say, the engine didn't start. It's the first time this ever happend. My engine has always started within seconds of pushing the button, even the first time each spring.
I fully charged both batteries, replaced the battery selector switch (it was cracked and I was going to do it anyway) and still no sound at all.
All the other electrical components work fine: lights, bilge pump, VHF, water pump, fridge, stereo, etc.
Does anyone have a handle on this? Starter? Starter button?
Jeb,
You did not mention what engine you have. On the 4-107, the starter button supplies power to the starter relay. The starter button does not have the amp capacity to carry the current to the starter so they use a starter relay. Follow the heavy cable back from the starter to find the starter relay. The two small terminals are the circuit from the starter button. First, check for continuity from one of the small terminals on the relay to ground. You will need a meter or continuity tester to perform this test. The other small terminal should show power when you push the starter button. If you do not get power on one of the small terminals your starter button could be bad or the wiring that connects them.
If you get power to one of the small relay terminals on the starter relay when you push the button, and ground to the other small terminal the starter relay, the starter relay should "click" when you push the button. If you have power and ground and the relay does not "click" the relay is probably bad. You can buy one from any good auto parts store. A sharp rap with a wrench handle may convince the starter relay to operate. It may be stuck or rusty. Even if the starter relay responds, this a sign that the relay is going bad.
In a pinch, if you are brave, you can "jump" a pair of vice grips or channel locks across the large terminals on the starter relay to start the engine. Be aware that sparks will fly when you make contact from one large terminal to the other with the spread jaws of the vice grips.
If sparks do not fly, or the starter relay clicks and the starter still does not engage, it could be a bad contact of the starter cable to the starter or even a bad engine ground. Look for corrosion in either case.
All of these things are no big deal for a motor head, but if you are not quite sure, buy your buddy a beer and let-em loose.
Good sailing... Dale Tanski
Thanks Dale, I plan to check all the connections and such this week.
I don't consider myself a motorhead, but I can do the basics, including installing a new transmission by myself two summers ago.
But I'm real weak on electronics, I don't even own, nor have ever used a multimeter. But I guess I'm about to learn!
By the way, it's a Universal 44 HP diesel.