Engine Wont Turn Off, Starter Stays Engaged

[chesbay007]

I went out today for the first time of the season to test the boat before Memorial Day Weekend. The boat was running fine for the first 20 minutes. I stopped and turned off the engines to take a look at the oil levels and one of the engines starts cranking for no reason. It did not start, just cranking. I turned the key on and off and nothing. Finally, I took the ground cable off the battery and the engine stopped cranking. I disconnected the red wire from the starter relay assy and limped home on one engine. What would make the starter stayed engaged? Bad ground, started relay solenoid sticking(I did replace it this Spring), key switch, or ECU(I hope not). BTW- It would crank even after I put it in gear.

2005 AR230
140hp
Thanks,

 

[chesbay007]

From what I am reading on the web it appears that the solenoid is stuck or closed allowing voltage between the terminals.

 

[Scottintexas]

When we say starter solenoid are we talking about the starter relay? I'm very ignorant of some of these mechanical items and the terminology.

I looked at the manual and only saw the starter, no mention of the solenoid.

 

[chesbay007]

When we say starter solenoid are we talking about the starter relay? I'm very ignorant of some of these mechanical items and the terminology.

I looked at the manual and only saw the starter, no mention of the solenoid.

Scott- Yes, it is the STARTER RELAY ASSY 6B6-81940-00-00.

 

[chesbay007]

Gremlins...always the cause

Gremlins for sure. I was sitting with engines off, excited to be out for the first time, boat ran great and then the engine just starts cranking out of nowhere. To be freaked out was an understatement. If this happened at the dock, it would have fried the starter and possibly a lot of other things.

 

[itsdgm]

Sounds like a starter relay or key switch issue. You could simply swap key switch plugs behind the dash and see if the issue switches to the other engine which would eliminate the switch as the cause. But seeing as you just recently replaced the starter relay, it's more than likely the cause. Btw, did you go with an oem relay, or aftermarket one?

 

[Gym]

I agree with @itsdgm. Go for the ignition switch swap 1st. If that is not the issue, swap the starter relay. If thè relay is not the issue check your 9 pin connectors for water. There are 2 of these located behind the round white cover on the aft wall of the rear starboard locker. There are about 6 screws holding this cover on. The connectors are marked port & strbd. Open them up and check for moisture or rotted pins. I had a starting issue caused by these connectors last summer.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Probably the starter relay. Our Classic boats are ripe for moisture build up in the ECU box which might be adding to this problem. I would dig straight into that ECU box and look at your relay.

 

[ptwb]

This happened to me on my seadoo one day when I was out at the sandbar. I started gently tapping on the starter soleniod and then a little harder and harder until it finally 'let go' and it stopped. Problem never came back.

 

[chesbay007]

Sounds like a starter relay or key switch issue. You could simply swap key switch plugs behind the dash and see if the issue switches to the other engine which would eliminate the switch as the cause. But seeing as you just recently replaced the starter relay, it's more than likely the cause. Btw, did you go with an oem relay, or aftermarket one?

I went with the after market Caltric one on Amazon. I installed one of these 2-3 years ago and have had no problems. Picking up an OEM one tomorrow and replacing it.

 

[fairpilot]

i would say relay, its in the black box on back wall. Located where where red battery cable enters box. You must take box off wall to remove relay. It is easy to do thought

 

[chesbay007]

I bought an OEM Starter Relay Assy and installed it yesterday. It appears that the issue has been fixed. Thanks for the help everyone and have a great Memorial Day Weekend.

 

[Gym]

I bought an OEM Starter Relay Assy and installed it yesterday. It appears that the issue has been fixed. Thanks for the help everyone and have a great Memorial Day Weekend.

Great. Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

 

[fairpilot]

That is awesome enjoy your boat this weekend

 

[itsdgm]

Nice. Glad that you're up and running (and able to stop running ) again. Have a great Memorial Weekend too.