Electrical Woes???

scurvy · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

Hi Everyone!

Oh boy...more engine problems it seems. Actually, I don't think this is an engine problem so much as it is an (ignition or electrical) problem.

We went for a quick sail this afternoon and when I tried to start the engine (and yes...I hold my breath) I got this weird sound that I thought was from the ignition switch. When I turn the key, I hear an awful buzzing sound (a rapid ticking buzz) that seems to be coming out of a small box where the negative terminals seem to meet and be connected...the bus???or something???? That little box vibrates and buzzes almost off the hook!!! ( you guessed it...I am not real familiar with the electrical systems or the terminology

)

The engine does not turn over at all as it seems there must be a short originating from this bus?!? Or whatever it is....Occasionally (I noticed) the RPM's shot up to 5K...though the engine is not even turning over.

Any ideas on what the problem might be??

Thanks for your suggestions and help with this!
Chris

eherlihy · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

I beleive that this may be the starter solenoid or relay. Did it look like this

?

If so, either your battery is low, the connections are corroded, or the solenoid is toast.

Start troubleshooting with a fully charged battery (get someone else to charge it for you), clean the battery terminals then try to start. If you still get the same symptom, clean all of the ends of the wires that connect to the solenoid, and try again. If you still get the same symptom, get a replacement solenoid.

Freesail99 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

I agree with eherlihy, I had this same problem on many cars when I was in my teens.

CharlieCobra · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

Yep, sounds like a FORD. Of course, I have a lawn tractor that sounds like that when the battery's toast.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

It would help if you said what kind of engine it is... diesel, gasoline or outboard? It does sound like a starter solenoid or relay, but without knowing what we're dealing with...we're going to be giving you less accurate guesses than we could with more information.

As a general rule, you really should give as complete information about a problem as you can when asking for help.

SEMIJim · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

I tend to concur with eherlihy and the others: Battery, cables or solenoid.

If it's the battery or cables, here's what causes the chattering: There's enough voltage available to pull in the solenoid. As soon as it's pulled-in, the starter exerts a high current demand. If either the battery or cabling can't supply it, the voltage drops and the solenoid falls out. High current demand disappears, voltage goes up, solenoid pulls in, starter demands high current, voltage drops, solenoid falls out, wash, rinse, repeat. All happening at the rate the solenoid can pull in and fall out. Thus the loud "buzzing" sound you hear.

Usually, usually a bad solenoid will either not pull in or it'll pull in but won't supply a connection to the starter, so it'll just go "click." Release the key: "click" (as it drops out). Turn the key: "click," as it pulls in again. Etc.

Jim

scurvy · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

As a general rule, you really should give as complete information about a problem as you can when asking for help.

Sorry,

I guess I figured that the ignition system would be the same in a diesel as it would in a gas engine. I have a 1973 Volvo-Penta MD6A, 10hp, 2 cyl. !?!?!?

Brand new battery and it tested out fine, the cables are a season old. Sounds to me like it is the solenoid. Are there specific solenoids for different models, or is this just a standard starter solenoid?(any solenoid will do situation?)

Many of you have suggested that it might be a starter solenoid, but aren't they typically mounted on the starter housing? Perhaps that this is not always true? This is located up near the wiring housing (as I don't have a panel).

Any more suggestions? I forgot to mention that it made this same sound about a week ago when we were last out to the boat, but it eventually cranked and turned over....engine ran fine after that, and after our sail, the engine started once more without a hitch???

Thanks to everyone that responded to my dilemma!
5 heads are better than one for sure!

Chris

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007

Are the cables marine grade wire??? if not, the wires could be a problem.

scurvy · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Are the cables marine grade wire??? if not, the wires could be a problem.

Hi Sailingdog,

Yes they are, they were purchased new (by previous owner) last season, and they are in very good shape.

On the Vega site, someone suggested that it might be the relay, as you had mentioned in an earlier response, and described the box and what it looked like to a tee. Others mentioned that it sounded like it was a contact problem and that perhaps the contacts had become pitted and/or the gap was too big at this point. So looks like I will try to clean all contact points, check the wiring again and see what happens. Not sure about the relay (never had any experience with these).

Chris

haffiman37 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

'I hear an awful buzzing sound (a rapid ticking buzz) that seems to be coming out of a small box where the negative terminals seem to meet and be connected...the bus???or something???? That little box vibrates and buzzes almost off the hook!!! ( you guessed it...I am not real familiar with the electrical systems or the terminology

)'

The 'negative' batt cables does not go to a solenoid unless You have connected it all wrong!

If You could post a pic of the 'buzzing box' things might be easier.