74 Southwind Solenoid Issue?

Thanks. So where might I find NSS?

So, with key on/engine off, with a tester I should test the following for 12V.
Keyswitch
NSS
Solenoid
Starter
Regulator
and look at wires & connections)
What else?

Will all these items show a 12V reading under proper conditions?
Why would it start fine first time, then not after 1-2 hours running?
Heat?

Have been told that if crossed solenoid and it starts, then solenoid is bad. Pretty simple inexpensive part. But then if it started a few times later,it's not the solenoid?


Unfortunately my home marina has ethanol, so must refuel way down lake at a non-ethanol pump. Naturally prefer to fuel at home base, then if it won't start, no big deal. Sceptical about ethanol-treatment additives, but might increase peace-of-mind. It does have a new plastic tank and new fuel line. Opinion?
Also hear suggestions to just open engine box and leave runnning while fueling, but obviously some danger. Opinion?

Also, it has a stereo we used the first day it wouldn't start, but didn't use it at all the day it didn't start, and didn't have the detachable faceplate on. Don't care about stereo much anyway, could it be causing some related problem even while off?

Also have a 75 Century MKII but needed something a little bigger, so just got this CC & working out the bugs. Thanks for the help.

Thanks, but what is NSS?

74Wind wrote: 74 Southwind 351. Starts fine first time and runs well. two weeks in a row, stop for fuel and will not start. First time happened it started with portable booster I carry. Yesterday, nothing, no click, no noise, wouldn't jump. Turned key on then crossed solenoid terminals with screwdriver and fired right up. Ran fine for another hour, went back to home marina. Battery tested fine 12.5ish, and boat started 4 times in a row. Bad solenoid? did crossing it "unstick" so it then started ok later? There is a small prestolite attachment below the alternator, is this a voltage regulator and could this be an issue? Also the ampmeter does not move off straight-up zero, should i assume this is a bad guage? I'd guess replacing the solenoid and perhaps the keyswitch ( acts a little funny) might be the fix. HOw to confirm and what else to check?

Before randomly throwing parts at the problem, I always suggest testing first. In Scott's thread there's a wiring diagram that will help. As mentioned in that thread, start with checking for power at the relay then back to the NSS and forward to the ignition key switch.

No, jumping the relay with a screw drive did not unstick it. You simply jumpered/bypassed it.

Although just checking a battery for volts isn't bad, it really does not give you the best indication of it's condition. A load test will.

The small box does sound like the voltage regulator. Post a picture.

You should be seeing some load on your amp meter unless your battery is fully charged. Check it after cranking the engine.

74 Southwind 351. Starts fine first time and runs well. two weeks in a row, stop for fuel and will not start. First time happened it started with portable booster I carry. Yesterday, nothing, no click, no noise, wouldn't jump. Turned key on then crossed solenoid terminals with screwdriver and fired right up. Ran fine for another hour, went back to home marina. Battery tested fine 12.5ish, and boat started 4 times in a row. Bad solenoid? did crossing it "unstick" so it then started ok later? There is a small prestolite attachment below the alternator, is this a voltage regulator and could this be an issue? Also the ampmeter does not move off straight-up zero, should i assume this is a bad guage?

I'd guess replacing the solenoid and perhaps the keyswitch ( acts a little funny) might be the fix. HOw to confirm and what else to check?