Intermittent problem with Yamaha turning over when key is turned.

[ddjk1953]

I have a 2004 Grady 225 fisherman with a Yamaha 225 and a Yamaha 704 binnacle. After two incidents with the starter not turning over I figured i should look into this before i get caught offshore. I replaced the neutral safety switch in the 704, but was wondering if the kill switch could give me issues with this ,or is there a second switch at the engine. I have not been out since I changed the switch in the 704. It did start but my problem has been intermittent. Anything else I should check?

Thanks, Dave

 

[seasick]

In addition to a possible bad switch, the adjustment of the neutral position in the 704 could have been off. That is easy to check if the motor doesn't crank over: While holding the switch in the 'crank' position, wiggle the control handle a bit back and forth. If the motor starts to turn over, the adjustment is off.
Some motors also have a neutral sensing shift switch on the motor . I do not know and don't have documentation with me to check if yours is one of them.

 

[ddjk1953]

Thanks for the reply, If the adjustment in the 704 is out, is it difficult to adjust. I noticed a screw in the front of the binnacle with the cover off.

 

[seasick]

Usually the adjustment is off at the motor and not he control. In other words, the cable have stretched over time or are not securely 'locked' at the motor in the correct position. Before taking apart the 704, check the cable adjustment.
If you decide to take apart the 704, take a lot of pictures, especially of where each cable end goes and how it is oriented. There are usually several ways to install the cables and all but one are wrong

 

[ddjk1953]

Thanks again, will look at the adjustment at the motor if I have issues when i go out mid week. Have tow insurance with Boat US. Never go with out it.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Also, check the ground wire on the starter and where it connects to the common ground stud on the transom or bilge. The connections can loosen or get corroded, which will cause intermittent starting problems.

 

[everwhom]

On my boat if the kill switch has been engaged, the motor still turns over but won't ignite...

 

[seasick]

On my boat if the kill switch has been engaged, the motor still turns over but won't ignite...

That is generally the case but note that the kill switch and the neutral switch do different things

 

[ddjk1953]

So the kill switch could not be the problem if the engine will not turn over.

 

[wspitler]

Could be the neutral switch as previously mentioned, but since a key switch can't carry starting current, there is also a starter solenoid that provides high current to the starter. It is activated by the key switch. Check that solenoid for proper operation, but more likely is loose or corroded connections in the area of the solenoid or the starter itself. You can bypass the key switch by providing 12V to the solenoid terminal (small wire) which simulates key activation. If it is an intermittent problem, then it makes it more difficult to diagnose. Good Luck!