My engine is the bv1505 installed in 2005 with 630 hours. Had been working perfectly until I recently drained the sea water intake.With the system still drained checked engine next day to see if it would start. Did not turnover and solenoid did not make clicking sound. Crossed the wires at the solenoid and the engine turned over. Fuses are ok. Seems to be an ignition problem but this is surprising as it is the ABV panel also installed in 2005 in a wheelhouse where it should be ok. I know this is a stupid question but is there a remote possibility that having the sea water system drained affects starting ? Any assistance appreciated
I would suspect that the plug for the panel harness has been partially unplugged while you were checking around the engine. This is the plug between the panel harness and the engine. It is located at the starboard side of the flywheel housing. This is the first thing to check. Clean the terminals and plug together.
I doubt that the raw water system has anything to do with this unless you have had a leak over some connections.
Thanks. I dont think so.It was well secured and taped before I opened it after the engine wouldn't start. However I will check it again tomorrow. In the meantime is there anything else you you think I should check ?
Check for corrosion at the back of the panel. You have voltage at the starter as you got the engine to turn over so you must have a connection problem.
Thanks Stanley. Panel looks to be in good condition but will check. Would it be ok to tryto activiate the solenoid by by bridging Connections 1 & 2 at the plug between the panel harness and the engine ? Michael
This is a relativly simple circut. The large brown/white wire brings power from the starter post through the fuse to the ignition switch at the panel. When the key is turned to start the white/red wire carries the current to the starter solenoid which then activates the starter.
You have established that the starter and the solenoid are working. This is a good start. You also believe that you have a good fuse and the harness plug connections look good.
First make sure that the harness plug is connected at the engine.
Your next step should be to check for power at the panel.
You will need a volt meter or a 12 volt test light.
First you must confirm that you have a good battery ground to measure to at the panel.
Check and confirm that you have continuity between the black wire connected to the green panel light and battery ground. Note that if the panel and tach lights up you have a good ground at the panel.
If no continuity is found you have a bad black ground wire or connection. Check the panel plug and the full run of the black wire for a bad connection or possible damage.
Once a good panel ground is confirmed perform the following test.
With a volt meter or 12v test light check for power between the brown/white wire connected to terminal 30 at the ignition switch and the black wire connected to the green panel light. If your battery switch is on you should have power to this terminal weather the key is on or off.
If you DO NOT have power then you have a bad plug connection, a bad fuse, or a damaged brown/white wire . Check the full run of the brown/white wire for a bad connection or possible damage.
If you DO have power at terminal 30 at the ignition switch then we must next check to make sure the ignition switch is working properly.
Do the following.
Connect your test light or meter to the white/red wire connected to terminal 17 at the ignition switch. Again use the black wire at the green warning light for a gound.
Turn the ignition key to start.
You should see 12 volts when the key is turned to start.
If you DO NOT see 12 volts you have a faulty ignition switch and it will need replacing.
If you DO see 12 volts but the engine does not start, then you either have a bad connection at the harness plug or the white/red wire between the panel and the starter solenoid is damaged or has a bad connection. Check the full run of the white/red wire for a bad connection or possible damage.
Thanks for the excellent detail. I should be able to do what you say but it will be a day or two before I get back to the boat. I know the fuse is good I'm not but not 100% about the relay. It has been broken from its mounting but it still looks ok and the connections are good. I bridged between nos 1 & 2 on the engine plug ang nothing happened. I had expected this should activate the solenoid.
There would not be a relay in the start system of a standard factory built engine.
Please provide the spec number for your engine. It will be the WOC number on the tag attached to the engine or can be found on your paper work provided with the engine. It should begin with the letter "K".
My manual is on the boat so I can't check today.Tthere is a fuse attached to the loom near the engine fuse. I thought this might be a relay as I recall mention of a panel relay which may be attached to the engine loom. In any case I will do as you say and take a photo
Hi Farron, I'm sure you are probably right. The engine fuse is 40 amp. This fuse is 30 amp inserted into a small black unit. in any event I will follow your in structions. Thanks, Michael
The relay is a booster starter relay which seems a little of an overkill considering the distance between panel and engine is about 1.5m. In any event circuit passed all tests except ignition test where 12 volts was not achieved when key turned to start. So I guess I need a new ignition ?
