NO power when turning key

and, Pete, same with transmissions, did you check the oil? no?
is the oil burnt? i dont know..........did you know you had a transmission in there? no
not in any way downgrading, but thats what i learned over the years

Donald80SN wrote: Hello, but my boat sometimes will not start Donald

Donald,
Sounds like you're heading in the correct direction with new battery cables and taking a look at the NSS/shift cable adjustment. If you don't have a meter, you can pick one up for less than $20. Great to have not only for the boat but around the house and car too for checking voltage, continuity, resistance, etc. Get one, set it too resistance, remove one of the white wires from the NSS, touch the terminals with the meters probes and it will tell you exactly when the NSS switch is opening and closing as you move the shift.

BTW, Many times diagnosing a problem can be difficult due to poor descriptions. This thread is a prime example. When stating the engine won't start, always define it as not "turning over" or not "cranking". If the engine does turn over but won't "fire" then it's known which direction to go for troubleshooting.

Also, I am upgrading my postive and negative battery cables to 1 AW to help with any low voltage issues that may be there. My cabels are 29 years old so I am willing to spend the money to do preventative maintenance.

My Pontoon Boat sometimes has starting problems and I am trying not to have these with the Ski Boat.

Donald

Luchog wrote: When it does not turn on, try hitting it with the screwdriver a few times and then go try turn it on. If it engages for sure is that. The started solenoid is cheap fo change.

Luciano,
A solenoid not picking up (closing it's contacts) may be caused by other problems and may not just be the solenoid. Low voltage to the coil caused by a weak battery or resistance from poor connections is typical. Tapping it with a low voltage may just "jar" it enough for the coil to magnetically pick up the armature and close its contacts. This is why I recommended getting some voltage readings.

dwcar wrote: I had a simular problem. I would reach up under the dash and wiggle the wires around on the ignition switch while holding the key on. It would fire right up. After crawling under the dash and looking, I found a loose wire.

That's a common issue but it will usually die in mid song too, just not when trying to start, the spade connectors get a little loose and lose contact.

When it does not turn on, try hitting it with the screwdriver a few times and then go try turn it on.

If it engages for sure is that.
The started solenoid is cheap fo change.

SNobsessed wrote: '79 - Do you realize the credibility you would have if you communicated with respect? Really guy, it's not funny anymore.

REALLY GUY YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE.

I'll have me credit when you finish attaching the two white wires together and it starts right up. I tell it like it is and then if you really want to get wishy washy then so be it. everyone seems to think I have trouble reading I just don't dwell on the little anal retentive *************** some like to endulge in.

'79 - Do you realize the credibility you would have if you communicated with respect?

Really guy, it's not funny anymore.

if you don't have power in the run postion your sure as hell not going to have it in the start postion either. But again why would you have power at all when the NSS is bad? What are the other posibilities? there are none that will cause the same problem because if the NSS is good then you would not loose power to the dash only the starter.

So if you want to keep pulling *************** out of your asswhole and guessing or want to keep chasing that whole go ahead waist of time JMHO

nc2001 wrote: ok just asking cause every vehicle (obviously not a boat I know) that I have worked on, mostly jeeps, a bad NSS doesnt kill power to the entire vehicle.

A CARS WIRING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

so again by-pass the switch and you will never have the issue again, or just replace the switch will fix it as well or you can get your meter out and continue to enjoy chasing your asswhole.

ok just asking cause every vehicle (obviously not a boat I know) that I have worked on, mostly jeeps, a bad NSS doesnt kill power to the entire vehicle.

Jon,
Yes, power to the ignition comes off the "IGN" terminal at the switch and power to the starter solenoid comes off the "ST" terminal via the NSS. Your boat cranks so check the "IGN" terminal (check for voltage while cranking too - it may indicate another problem if low) Chris (79) isn't reading the tread thoroughly - again!!

dont know that much about it but if the NSS was going bad wouldnt it still allow power to the dash, guages, alarm, etc and just prevent the starter from turning.

yep have a meter looks like ill have to wait till get the battery back in the boat to test or pull the switch and run battery to it. thanks