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Posts: 265
Location: Manitowish Waters WI | I have an 01 60hp merc 4 stroke on my esox mag that has been acting funny. Motor has always started on the first turn but as of late every other time I attempt to start it absolutely nothing happens on key turn. Wait 10-15 minutes and power comes back and it fires. When this happens my gauges pause and I loose voltage readings on my tuffy gauge. All other electronics on the 12 v system go unaffected. Graphs, bilge, lw pumps, lights etc still have full power. My helix 9 still shows over 11.5 volts when this happens. Bought a new battery and same thing. Any ideas what could cause this? Boat wiring is upgraded to a blue seas fuse panel and a master shut off like newer mags. I hear rumors that it could be a coil in the engine that can make power to the starter intermittent. |
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Posts: 47
| If your Tuffy gauges blink off it's probably not an engine issue (coil, etc.). First thing I'd do is pull the ignition switch, pull all the connections (one at a time), apply a light film of dielectric grease and replace. A tiny bit of corrosion can do funny things to an electrical system. When you replaced you battery did you clean the terminals on the wires well or just hook it up? It sounds like you have applied other upgrades (with additional connections). You may need to check all of them.
Corrosion can affect any connection. It doesn't look like much sometimes, just darkened metal, maybe a little green but not always. Once clean, always wipe on a little dielectric grease to keep those connections more protected.
If that doesn't clear things up it may be the switch itself. I usually start with the cheap, easy stuff first and work my way up unless there is something directly indicating a major, expensive issue. |
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Posts: 265
Location: Manitowish Waters WI | Thanks Otto. I replaced the fuse panel and wire brushed all the connectors. I have not pulled the ignition apart or used dielectric gel. I appreciate the help. |
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Posts: 47
| esox1980 - 5/15/2017 5:19 PM
Thanks Otto. I replaced the fuse panel and wire brushed all the connectors. I have not pulled the ignition apart or used dielectric gel. I appreciate the help.
If you've really brushed ALL the connections (both delivery/distribution and transmission terminals) that's a great start. If you've been having an issue despite this I"d suspect the switch itself before anything else. I would also go back and put a fine film of the dielectric grease on every physical connection you can find unless that connection is soldered. Marine environments breed corrosion despite our diligence to dry quickly and completely between uses.
Good luck man....
/m |
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2001 Tuffy 60hp merc 4 stroke