Mechanical Help Needed! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Sundog]

Hello, I thought maybe someone here has run into this before and would be able to help me out.

Here is my problem (not my only as my friends will point out!)

My Port engine is occasionally not starting. When I turn the key I get the normal whistle saying it is ready and then when I go to turn the key the rest of the way to make ignition happen I get nothing, no noise or sound like the starter is not working or anything. It only happens occasionally, It does not seem to be related to having it correctly in Neutral as I play with this and it does not seem to fix it - but if I wait a little bit it works fine - but with out any rhyme or reason to why.

The thoughts I had are

Bad Cellonoid
Bad Starter
Maybe even related to heat as if I wait a little bit it starts fine.

The motors run great and once the problem alleviates itself they start right up an purr.

They are 2 Stroke Tohatsu 50 stroke motors

Any thoughts would be appreciated, I am hoping to get out to the Naked I. adventure - Lord Willing and Weather willing.

Here are the pics from my Fathers Day Trip: http://www.alaskaphotography.com/2005trips/fathersday/

Thanks in advance for any advice - I am a rookie mechanic

Cheers,

Joe with the Sundog

[Larry H]

Joe,

I would start by cleaning the battery terminals and clamps and also cleaning and tightening where the cables are attached on the starter solenoid and the ground stud or bolt.

Also check the connections where the cable from the key switch connects to the powerhead wiring harness. Any loose or corroded bullet or spade connectors should be cleaned and tightened.

I hope this helps!

[gljjr]

Larry posted excellent advice!

If you have a voltmeter you can try checking the voltage at the solenoid on the motor next time you are having problems to make sure it is getting power. Also check the battery voltage with the key in the start position to see if it is having any drain put on it. If not we know it is a bad connection somewhere!

You can also try jumping the solenoid to see if the motor turns over. If it does the problem is likely between the motor and the key.

I hate intermittent electrical problems! But more than likely this is simply a corroded battery terminal.