Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

Hi all. First post. Great website.

The Mariahs are beautiful boats.

Our boat has an intermittent starter issue. When it cranks, it starts and runs fine. It only has 160hrs on it.
My Father-in-law wants me to change the starter but I'd like to diagnose it a bit first. I see that a few people have problems with the neutral start swtich, is there any thing else i could check ?

Londoner :wink_thumbup:
2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Carbed Merc

Re: Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

I am working on the same issue. We pulled the starter and its fine. We also checked the selinod and thats fine. Then we looked at the wiring harness and saw some exposed, melted wires. They were to close to the manifold.

Hope this helps.

Re: Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

Definitely, thanks for the input. I will check the next time i am near the boat.
I'm kinda hanging my hat on an electrical issue.... if not i gotta eat some crow from the F.I.L.

Cheers,
Londoner

Re: Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

When it doesn't crank, can you hear the starter relay go *click*? If so: It's either the starter relay contacts or the starter motor. If not: Odds are it's something up-stream (ignition switch, wiring).

Jim

Re: Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

Is the starter relay mounted on or near the motor?

I do hear something clicking on top of the motor (possibly near the carb) but haven't had the chance to locate exact location of the clicking.....:confused:

?

Londoner

Re: Intermittent start 2001 20' Shabah 5.0 Merc
 

I would assume so. They usually are.

If you hear something go *click* when you turn the ignition key to the starting position, odds are it's the starter relay. Can't think of anything else it would be.

Jim