TomCat Yamaha 100 won't start

GxK · Posted: Sun May 09, 2010 9:14 pm Post subject: TomCat Yamaha 100 won't start

Just before we launched our TomCat 24 the other day for another season, I discovered the port Yamaha 100 would not start. No ignition buzz, no engine instruments, no tilt power, no nothing. Clearly, an electrical failure somewhere as the batteries are freshly charged.

Tomorrow, we start a systematic search for the problem. Any suggestions where to look first? Any guesses as to what the problem may be?

--Georgs

Papillon · Posted: Sun May 09, 2010 9:55 pm Post subject:

You should have a main engine fuse under the cowling..so start checking there...and work your way back to the battery and then the control box..key switch.

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 12:45 am Post subject:

before you do that check to see it the ignition safety clip is in place. That will do the same thing. I forget about it once a season.

Larry H · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:10 am Post subject:

I think starting with the battery terminals is a good idea. Grab the cable, wiggle it sideways and see if it moves on the battery.
The battery cables must be tight enough to not move on the battery terminal.

If you have wingnuts, tighten them with pliers. Hand tightening wing nuts is not good enough.

See if the tilt works on the good motor without the ignition switch on. If so, and it does not work on the no start motor, then something is interrupting the electricity between the battery and the motor.

matt_unique · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 7:54 am Post subject: Wingnuts

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 8:13 am Post subject:

Also, make sure you are really in "neutral" on that engine. Sometimes the shifter can be just a little bit out of position, there is a microswitch in the shift mechanism. If that happens, it'll seem dead. Matt, the same thing that happened to you near the rocks, in another thread! Cry

charlie

toyman · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 9:51 am Post subject:

AND - let us know what it is when you find the problem !

thataway · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 11:58 am Post subject:

Not having power tilt suggests that the problem may be with the main power (battery circuit) On my Yahama the tilt will work even without the ignition key or clip.

See the posts above about connections and tachometer--start with the batteries, wire brush, cleaner, and finally a corrosion preventer. I go with hex nuts over the wing nuts.

Also put a digital volt meter on the battery as you try tilt. Do other instruments in the boat work.

Now to prevent this problem--you need to spend the winters in Florida--and boat every day!

GxK · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 2:52 pm Post subject:

GxK · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 8:25 pm Post subject:

Yep, this is how it starts, the slow descent into senility:

After six months on the hard, one forgets there are TWO battery switches that need to be turned on for both engines to start.

Embarassed

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 11:58 pm Post subject:

its always the little things.