Starter Relay 1980 351 Windsor?

Its not marine specific per se... but many people have had problems with low quality, automotive ones. The PCM relay from SkiDIM is a sure bet.

I don't think it was the battery? I was having a problem with the engine not shutting down when turning the key off and found if I tapped the stater solenoid it solved the problem.

It started off with the engine not shutting off when I turned the key to off then progressed to the starter not turning off when moving the key from "start" to "run".

This was a problem I was having at the end of the summer last year. After tapping the solenoid/relay with a screw driver it seemed to solve the problem but I thought I should replace the solenoid/relay before it goes completely.

Craig,
Tim is correct and I agree that it sure sounds like the key switch itself since yes, it's the "common denominator. Although nether the switch or the relay are expensive items, I always suggest testing first before just throwing parts and money at the problem. A volt Ohm meter is so cheap that everyone should have one. It just came up in another thead that HF had a basic one for $5!! The meters come with basic instructions plus we are always around to help out.

BTW, both my 1954 and 1964 still have the original relays in them.

The primary purpose of the relay is to provide high amp switching of power to the starter. It should be open when you aren't cranking the engine.

Here's a wiring diagram courtesy of Tim that may help:



You should get the volts off the "S" and "I" terminals when cranking. The "I" should only be on when the key is in the run position. You should get nothing when it's in the off position.