Boat start question

[johnboyy7]

The last couple of times I've taken the boat out it has taken awhile before it will start/ fire. Like there is no
grunt or anything and then just like that, bam it's running. The only theory I have is I'm turning my pergo switch off and it's taken the computer a few minutes to
boot up. Thoughts?

[bobchris]

sorry ECM doesn't boot up like a computer, if the powers on it's on instantly

[Chexi]

Did you add a fresh air exhaust? Since I added mine, it sometimes takes a few seconds to turn over instead of the 1/2 second like before.

[johnboyy7]

No fresh air.

After I type in the code and push start twice, the second which should start motor, there is nothing. I keep tryin and tryin and then eventually one of the trys it will fire and start. Is this an electical problem? Or pad?

[WakeSlayer]

My opinion is that it is the pad starting to flake on you. I cannot see how FAE would affect that whatsoever. The motor's electrics don't care if your exhaust is open, or 100 feet long.

[johnboyy7]

Is the only fix to replace it? Is there anyway I can check and verify this is it?

[johnboyy7]

One more info... I only have trouble that first time when I'm gonna gettin it off the trailor. Never when out on the water.

[Chexi]

Yes, during my 3 second starts, it is trying to turn over, it just takes 2-3 seconds instead of .5. I first noticed this after installing my FAE. I have always assumed it was a back-pressure issue, and it never resulted in not being able to start fairly quickly. So this is clearly not your issue. It does sound like electronics. Those keypads are prone to problems, which is why I like to party like it's 1999!

[AirTool]

Yes, during my 3 second starts, it is trying to turn over, it just takes 2-3 seconds instead of .5. I first noticed this after installing my FAE. I have always assumed it was a back-pressure issue, and it never resulted in not being able to start fairly quickly. So this is clearly not your issue. It does sound like electronics. Those keypads are prone to problems, which is why I like to party like it's 1999!

I believe on the newer chevy engines there is a 2 second delay before the fuel pump starts. I've never put a volt meter on to comfirm, but I'm pretty sure. My 5.7 NEVER starts within two seconds of the starter kicking in.

[dwsa]

More info needed....

On the second START are you saying that the starter motor does not turn??? ON my boat the first START poers the IGN, and you will hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds to build pressure, on second START the starter motor kicks in without delay, I imagine yours should be the same. If the IGN comes on this indicates the keypad is working, but worst case your keypad may not decode the second START but I find this unlikely. Do any of the other functions on the keypad work? eg Blower?? It could be your Starter relay at fault, I have seen this when 3rd, 4th , 5th START attempt has thrown in the starter motor. Only way to check the keypad is with an oscilloscope and look for pulses across Orange and black and same inverted pulses across Green and Black. Hope this helps...

[johnboyy7]

All functions work on my key pad except there is no fire when I push start. I've only had it out twice this year. 1st time I think it took like 8 trys and the same or more the next time. To me it seems like the starter is not gettin signal to energize.

[WakeSlayer]

6 years on the boat and starting to have problems with a part that is prone to failure. We are starting to see more and more of these failing every season. I would just get a spare so you don't ruin a nice perfect weekend. Use the one you have until it totally fails, or switch it out now.

I am pretty glad I just have a key and breakers.

[dwsa]

HI

OK it sounds to me like the starter motor or starter relay. You can determine if the starter motor is good by taking a shorting wire and connecting from the battery directly to the small wire connection on the starter motor. If the starter runs/spins and engages with the flywheel and cranks your engine over then you know the starter is good and likely your problem is with the starter relay. If it does not crank the engine the starter is bad and could be that the brushes are worn out. They could be replaced or just get a new starter motor.

[mf01]

Let me know what you find out. I don't have a pad like yours, but mine takes a long time to start. I have replaced my starter relay, cleaned all connections, fresh battery, new breaker switch for the ignition, done extra key prime, and checked fuel pressure. I'm thinking mine is the starter, but I haven't felt like dropping $200+ on a hunch. Mine takes up to 10 seconds of cranking when it's been sitting for over a week. When it's warm it fires right up. Also, my starter is over 16 years old.

[dwsa]

HI

If its cranking your starter is good.