Engine won't start

[mmiela]

Was out Saturday all day, ran the engine on idle allot but also moved from place to place. I noticed after a few hours when I adjusted the throttle from idle to about 3500 RPM and tried to trim the engine the engine would start to cut out. So I didn't so that anymore, we were fishing thirty miles from home port and we left there so and I ran at 4800 the entire way home about 35 minutes. Stopped again to fish for a couple hours and then headed in. I noticed that at WOT I could only get 4800 RPM max, but that could be because I couldn't trim the engine up. When I was pulling into the dock the engine cut out completely and will not start at all now. When I turn the key all I get is click, throttle is in Neutral. Had the batteries checked, load tested and they are fine.

Yamaha f225

Since the batteries are ok where do I go from here? The starter? Any fuses in the engine?

Help.

 

[seasick]

Was out Saturday all day, ran the engine on idle allot but also moved from place to place. I noticed after a few hours when I adjusted the throttle from idle to about 3500 RPM and tried to trim the engine the engine would start to cut out. So I didn't so that anymore, we were fishing thirty miles from home port and we left there so and I ran at 4800 the entire way home about 35 minutes. Stopped again to fish for a couple hours and then headed in. I noticed that at WOT I could only get 4800 RPM max, but that could be because I couldn't trim the engine up. When I was pulling into the dock the engine cut out completely and will not start at all now. When I turn the key all I get is click, throttle is in Neutral. Had the batteries checked, load tested and they are fine.

Yamaha f225

Since the batteries are ok where do I go from here? The starter? Any fuses in the engine?

Help.

If a motor fuse blows, you won't get anything.
First place to look at is a bad ground at the motor, then check positive connections at battery switch. Finally, take a look at the positive feeds to the motor. Of course, check battery connections. If you have two batteries and the problem occurs when either is selected, the issue is most likely at the motor.
Bad ground connection at the motor are not uncommon.
Also check connections at the starter solenoid. Your symptoms seem to indicate a voltage drop caused by poor connections or corroded cables/cable ends.

 

[mmiela]

I found several issues. I found where the battery cables and main power cable are attached to the transom was loose. I cleaned all connectors and tightened down real good. Took battery switch off and cleaned all of those connections. Also reinstalled the cables to the 40amp circuit break from the battery switch. My biggest issue was all the cables that connect to my batteries were green under the tape that was used. Got some cleaner and a wire brush and went to town. After cleaning everything the engine starts on all three switch locations.

Learning as I go but this is another item to add the spring checklist.

 

[seasick]

I found several issues. I found where the battery cables and main power cable are attached to the transom was loose. I cleaned all connectors and tightened down real good. Took battery switch off and cleaned all of those connections. Also reinstalled the cables to the 40amp circuit break from the battery switch. My biggest issue was all the cables that connect to my batteries were green under the tape that was used. Got some cleaner and a wire brush and went to town. After cleaning everything the engine starts on all three switch locations.

Learning as I go but this is another item to add the spring checklist.

Well done Captain!
Enjoy.

 

[mmiela]

Wow, what a day to be on Long Island Sound, less than 1 foot waves sun minimal wind. Only problem is when I get to my boat and turn the key all the engine does is click.

Replaced all the terminal connections to the batteries and nada. Kind of stumped at this point, getting ready to haul the boat winterize it and call it a summer. Almost deer season anyway.

 

[seasick]

Wow, what a day to be on Long Island Sound, less than 1 foot waves sun minimal wind. Only problem is when I get to my boat and turn the key all the engine does is click.

Replaced all the terminal connections to the batteries and nada. Kind of stumped at this point, getting ready to haul the boat winterize it and call it a summer. Almost deer season anyway.

Do you have a voltage meter on the boat? It is hard to say what the issue is but it is possible that the battery is discharged. You may not be charging it while running. Do you have multiple batteries? Do you turn the battery switch off when not in use?

 

[mmiela]

Yes always turn the battery switch to off when not in use. Multi meter said 12.7 and 12.8 volts on batteries. Off the switch there are what looks like switches or small power supply's one was
Loose. I push the connection back in and did that with the other two and it started. Has to be a loose connection there. Maybe those black switches go to the starter but not sure.

I don't know how to load a picture but have one of what I'm talking about.

 

[seasick]

Yes always turn the battery switch to off when not in use. Multi meter said 12.7 and 12.8 volts on batteries. Off the switch there are what looks like switches or small power supply's one was
Loose. I push the connection back in and did that with the other two and it started. Has to be a loose connection there. Maybe those black switches go to the starter but not sure.

I don't know how to load a picture but have one of what I'm talking about.

Your voltages indicate fully charged batteries. The loose smaller wire is probably the feed for all accessories including the ignition signal. When you try to start there is a voltage drop and not enough juice to keep the started solenoid activated (hence the click).
When checking out the wiring, make sure you check the negative cable that connects the two batteries together.

Hopefully, you are all OK now.

 

[mmiela]

Yes always turn the battery switch to off when not in use. Multi meter said 12.7 and 12.8 volts on batteries. Off the switch there are what looks like switches or small power supply's one was
Loose. I push the connection back in and did that with the other two and it started. Has to be a loose connection there. Maybe those black switches go to the starter but not sure.

I don't know how to load a picture but have one of what I'm talking about.

Your voltages indicate fully charged batteries. The loose smaller wire is probably the feed for all accessories including the ignition signal. When you try to start there is a voltage drop and not enough juice to keep the started solenoid activated (hence the click).
When checking out the wiring, make sure you check the negative cable that connects the two batteries together.

Hopefully, you are all OK now.

I hope so as well. The negative cable that connects the two batteries is brand new. The other one was short and had oxidation on both sides. Figured just as easy to buy an already made cable from West Marine than chopping it and putting new connectors on. I also took the positive and negative connections off that connect to the engine. Made sure there wasn't any abnormalities there and they looked pretty clean.

Unfortunately I am usually alone when trying to troubleshoot so I would have to have someone of my buddies who only know me when the boat is working and we can go fishing help me with the meter.

Next I go there it will start, just have a good feeling about all the new connections

 

[seasick]

Yes always turn the battery switch to off when not in use. Multi meter said 12.7 and 12.8 volts on batteries. Off the switch there are what looks like switches or small power supply's one was
Loose. I push the connection back in and did that with the other two and it started. Has to be a loose connection there. Maybe those black switches go to the starter but not sure.

I don't know how to load a picture but have one of what I'm talking about.

Your voltages indicate fully charged batteries. The loose smaller wire is probably the feed for all accessories including the ignition signal. When you try to start there is a voltage drop and not enough juice to keep the started solenoid activated (hence the click).
When checking out the wiring, make sure you check the negative cable that connects the two batteries together.

Hopefully, you are all OK now.

I hope so as well. The negative cable that connects the two batteries is brand new. The other one was short and had oxidation on both sides. Figured just as easy to buy an already made cable from West Marine than chopping it and putting new connectors on. I also took the positive and negative connections off that connect to the engine. Made sure there wasn't any abnormalities there and they looked pretty clean.

Unfortunately I am usually alone when trying to troubleshoot so I would have to have someone of my buddies who only know me when the boat is working and we can go fishing help me with the meter.

Next I go there it will start, just have a good feeling about all the new connections

You have done all the right things and I hope all is good to go next time out.
Safe boating!

 

[mmiela]

Well finally found some time to get to the boat today. Lowered the engine in the water turned the key and started right up. I think I have it fixed for now or until the next issue.

Only item to figure out is the garmin had a hard time finding the bottom. I had to clean the summer slime of the transponder and it work while sitting still. Blinks while in motion. Could be not
Clean enough or not getting enough voltage to send a strong enough signal to be bottom. Will have to work on this one.