Old style ignition woes....

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 4:51 pm

I need help... And not - it's not a Bronco -or even a car this time

Yeah, that kind of help too, but that type is not what I came here to ask for

I have a 1966 StarCraft boat that was given to me. It has four-cylinder inboard outboard motor that two years ago ran fine, then last year started having starting issues. now I can't even get it to crank I have replaced the starter the solenoid and the ignition switch battery is charged and I can't get it to crank Let alone try to start

Does anyone want to come help me troubleshoot this thing? preferably someone who has great ideas on how to make This old stuff run.

Yeah, it has points. And no I have not replaced them yet. I figure tune up comes after it turns over

I'm pretty sure we can get food and beverages from my missus in exchange for your expert advice and assistance. I'm thinking tomorrow (Sunday) at this point. Considering we still have Daniels truck torn apart replacing the water pump and I'm about to start drinking.

Post by **plumbdoctor** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:05 pm

Does it make any kind of noises? Starter seized?

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:06 pm

I can promise you this, there is a lot less stuff I. The way when working on this old boat

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:07 pm

plumbdoctor wrote:Does it make any kind of noises? Starter seized?

No noise, motor turns by hand and starter is brand spank

ing new today, the old one acted the same way. I figure it has to be an issue with the wiring somewhere

Post by **plumbdoctor** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 8:32 pm

Maybe the wires have corroded further down the sheathing?

Post by **ZOSO** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 10:58 am

plumbdoctor wrote:Maybe the wires have corroded further down the sheathing?

I agree with this. Have had that happen before.

Post by **Justin** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:51 pm

Can't speak for old boats, but I had the fusible link cook on my rig prior to me owning it.

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 8:15 pm

Yeah, I'm starting to believe this is a likely possibility. The good news is, there is even far less wires in this boat than out broncos ever had.

I don't think there are any fuseable links in the boat at all (thankfully)

So hopefully tomorrow evening I can start replacing wires. Sooner or later the engine will turn over.... Right?

Post by **Kinder** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 10:48 am

Take everything out of the loop besides the starter & battery to confirm starter turns over. Once this is confirmed I'd start running continuity tests on wires, once this is done check ohms (using standard specs). The prob will turn up in one of these steps.

Post by **mickphatmac** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 11:24 am

Can you get the engine to turn over with a wrench? Is the engine seized?

Did you winterize it with antifreeze? (cracked block/rust)

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 11:39 am

mickphatmac wrote:Can you get the engine to turn over with a wrench? Is the engine seized?

Yes, engine is free and turns over easily (easily enough anyway)

Did you winterize it with antifreeze? (cracked block/rust)

Yes and no - this boat uses lake water to cool, so weatherization requires a complete drain of all fluids, oil change in block and out drive (at least this is what I understand) then fill block from top hose with 50-50 antifreze,

The starter has power from the battery to the main post on the starter full time. With the key on all 3 posts (the main and both smaller posts) are energized. The same when the key is in the "run" position.

I am not able to get the starter to turn at all, it is brand new, does not turn. I am going to take it out and have it tested tonight (weather permitting). I have also replaced the ignition switch and solenoid.

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 11:41 am

kinder wrote:Take everything out of the loop besides the starter & battery to confirm starter turns over. Once this is confirmed I'd start running continuity tests on wires, once this is done check ohms (using standard specs). The prob will turn up in one of these steps.

I know it is hard to imagine, but I gave my ohm meter to Drew and have not replaced it yet, looks like i have a need to buy one after work today.

Post by **hockeydad4-22** » Sat Jul 23, 2016 3:39 pm

Oh yea!

New starter (x2)..... Nope
New solenoid .....nope
New ignition .....nope
Replaced wires from solenoid to starter.... Nope
Replaced power from battery to starter and ground too.... Nope

Built a ground cable from starter mating bolt to battery ground......oh yea foshizzle

Pulled new (2nd new actually) starter to test, grounded the case and zoom zoom

Who new, new starter does not ground directly to the block. She's grounded now

Post by **landshark** » Wed Jul 27, 2016 7:10 am

Awesome!

www.ColoradoClassicBroncos.com