Won't start. Read the sticky.

JMerrifield5 · 09-16-2012, 07:17 AM

We have a 1994 Mariah Talari that won't start. We followed the diagnostic on the sticky and got to the final step of testing the b terminal on the starter. The problem is at that point there is no light on our tester. The sticky doesn't say what to do with that. What next? Is it a bad starter? Is there another problem? We are getting a clicking sound when we try to start it. Your help is greatly appreciated. We tried running a wire directly from the ignition to the coil, and golicking sound. We have replaced the ignition switch and the slave solenoid and the circuit breaker.

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 09-16-2012, 02:39 PM

Welcome to MOC JKerrifield5!
I think you need to use a multimeter to investigate further.
Do you have 12-13v at the battery? Do you have 12-13v at the starter from the battery? If so I would pull the starter and bench test it. If not you got a bad cable.
Sounds like a solenoid or starter motor issue.

Larry

aubtiger · 09-16-2012, 09:29 PM

I take it that the engine does not spin over. If so, take a screw driver and jump across the small terminal and the big terminal on the starter from the battery. If your starter is good it should engage and turn over. If your starter is good test the circuit. When in the start position you should have 12+ at the small terminal of the starter. If not its problem between your switch and starter. Most boats have a saftey switch in the circuit to prevent the starter from powering up when in gear. (like a netrual saftey switch.

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 09-16-2012, 09:58 PM

Yes you can jump the solenoid , if the main power cable is GOOD.
Nice catch on the start circuit though aubtiger

Larry

JMerrifield5 · 09-17-2012, 01:47 PM

Thankis for the suggestions! The battery is charged 12.6v. I'll will try jumping at the starter location and check the voltage readings again. I'm leaning toward it being a starter problem but will see. I'll keep you posted. Jim