Engine will not turn over

[jvercher]

Okay sports fans, here's one for you.  I put new batteries in this weekend, as the old ones were not holding a charge any longer.  After putting the new batteries in, I cranked the engine and ran it for about 5-10 minutes.  Ran well, good water flow, etc.  Did some other work (replaced the backstay chain plates; and was ready to take her out for the afternoon.  Went to start the engine, and alarm bell rang as usual prior to starting; preheated, then hit the start button.  Alarm died, engine would not turn over, and no juice.  Went down below, and checked the connection from the start panel to the starter (three wire harness); and the connection from the gauge panel to the engine(eight wire harness).  Both were connected; but would occasionally get the alarm to ring; but when I hit the start button; nothing!  I know it is a loose wire, but was curious if anyone had any good ideas of where to start?  I was starting it off the house bank (four batteries) so it should have enough juice.

RayNWanda, did you ever have a loose connection problem in the wiring harnesses?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Jeff

[Leo]

I have had the plug from the engine wiring harness become unplugged. Then no power. My plug is located just above the starter if I remember correctly. It's on my list to hard wire it eliminating the plug.

Len

[S/V Deo Volente]

I have had the plug from the engine wiring harness become unplugged. Then no power. My plug is located just above the starter if I remember correctly. It's on my list to hard wire it eliminating the plug.

Len

+1  Me too, it's a four wire trailer light type plug. The other thing I have done is leave the shifter in gear once or twice. Some times I forget the stop lever, but it will crank then.

[Don Woodruff]

I have had problems from time to time with the screw connections on the circuit breaker located on the plate just behind the starter. Check the tightness of both screws and clean the wire connector surfaces.

[graemek]

check the batterie connections,
some times when new the batterie post can get badly oxidized will let low voltage pass but not hi amps as when starting,remove terminals and clean up with coarse sand paper
graeme 

[RayNWanda]

That's a new one on me. Are you sure all the battery connections are tight and clean?

[jvercher]

So as a follow up to my Engine Mystery, it appears the bracket has cracked, that hold the starter solenoid in place.  This is also the poitn of ground for the solenoid.  The mechanic was able to attach a jumper to get the engine started; however, I still need to get the bracket welded.  Just an FYI for the next guy...

Jeff

[SVJourney]

Journey's starter solenoid is grounded through its own terminal.  In other words, there are the 2 big terminals for the big wires, then one terminal for the wire from the start switch, then the last terminal, which runs from there to the alternator ground stud.  My ground wire broke and the starter would not turn.