starter relay problem

[ajsport]

i have a 90 sport nautique the problem is the boat starts fine cold but once you ride for a while and turn the ign. off boat will not start back so i have to take a screwdriver and cross the starter relay. thought it would need a new relay changed it 3 times 3 different relays now as soon as i turn the ign. stater continues to turn over until i disconnect batt. cable. put old one back on it doesn't stick but original problem resumes. took it to mech. he changed relay again and changed cable going from relay to starter also checked ign. said all would be fine went to lake turned ign. relay stuck now i'm right back where i stated

[83sn2001]

RE: starter relay problem

May be your ignition switch.

[ajsport]

mech checked ign. said it was fine thanks

[JAG]

I"m Confused. I have a 90 Sport and have never experienced that problem. A good mechanic would have diagnosed the problem before taking the shotgun approach and replacing parts at random. There are no mysteries about the start circuit. Its just a little switch that can handle low amps operating a bigger switch that can handle high amp loads.


Purchase a small 12volt test light at any auto parts store. Disconect the small wire to the starter solenoid that comes from the ignition switch. I would like to tell you which wire it is but my boat is covered and we're still experienceng the affects of hurricane Katrina. Once you remove the wire take the 12volt test light and hook it to the wire and to ground. Cycle the ignition switch through the start position several times, the light should go on and off. If the light stays the problem is in the ignition switch, if it goes on and off when you cycle the switch its good.
Next: If you determine that the switch is good I would then check the relay (solenoid).
You can also follow the same proceedure with the starter side of the relay. At the relay remove the cable going to the starter, connect your test light to the relay terminal and and the other end to ground and then cylce the ignition switch. The light should cycle on and off. If it stays on, just for the heck of it disconnect the small switch wire again. If it still remains lit then its the relay if it goes out its back to the switch. If it does cycle on and off with the ign switch you either don't have a problem or its intermittent and you'll need to do this proceedure when it occurs.
Good Luck