Random no start on 2003 Air Nautique 206 advice

[ryanv8]

Looking for advice on a random no start with my 2003 206. We had the ignition replaced and the starter but sometimes when I turn the key I get nothing. The battery is fine and after replacing those other components I’m not sure why it won’t start sometimes. Any advice is welcome, thanks

[MichaelD]

If you get absolutely nothing:
- Is the boat locked in neutral?
- Is the red lanyard fully attached? (that thing that USCG makes PWC operators wear)

On the '07 models, if you tap start real quick, fuel pumps run for ~2 seconds. Not sure how that works with keyed ignition, but do you hear any fuel pump noise?

If the starter is turning the engine, but it won't crank, check the distributor cap + rotor. My neighbor has an 07 SV211 & the local dealer has had to replace distributor cap + rotor twice. One of the replacements was for no engine spark (but the starter was turning the motor).

[ryanv8]

Thanks for the suggestions, I always check the neutral position of the throttle. I don’t think it is the fuel pumps because most times it starts right up with no delay. I have also checked the Killswitch lanyard as you suggested. It seems to be very sporadic which leads me to believe it might be a wire somewhere Because the engine does not turn over or anything. The gauges will activate but nothing from the starter.

[MichaelD]

The only other thing I can think of is connections to the battery terminal (I'm assuming you've already checked battery voltage).
I've seen some ultra-weak cranks if one of the terminals wasn't on real tight, but in those scenarios, there was at least some movement of engine parts & at least a quarter-second of sound coming from the engine.

I'm thinking this could be a wire, or more likely a wire connection to something.
The owners manual might have a troubleshooting section for the problem, but I've got a feeling we've already covered the items it would suggest.

As far as connections, etc., I've previously found the parts manual with engine diagrams helpful to understand how things are put together.
https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...uals-brochures

Maybe someone else on the board more knowledgeable than myself can guide you on places to look if nothing is apparent from the parts manual diagram for your engine.

[NautiqueJeff]

Which engine is in the boat?

[biacs]

Do you have two batteries on board? If there’s anyway you could flip to either /or battery to be sure you isolate when it won’t start.

I have seen perfectly good car batteries that have a bad cell that test fine but yet will make the electronics flake out.

Batteries are one of those things that can be very hard to track down if it’s hot.it will test good- hope you can track the issue down!

[ryanv8]

The engine is the 5.7 Excalibur 330 hp. I have tested the battery and it has read fine for voltage.