ignition problem

[j.nicholas]

I just finished changing oil, filters & removing/replacing the heat exhanger for cleaning. When everything was reconnected I couldn't get the engine to start. These are the symptoms: When I turn the key, no oil pressure alarm sounds & no other sign of life on the engine instruments. Looks & sounds completely dead. Also, the blower doesn't run. On the other hand, the wind, depth etc. instruments seem to be working normally. The batteries are well charged and there seems to be power at the starter motor. As to the cause, when I was struggling to remove the secondary fuel filter (stuck fast)my screw driver made contact with something live around the fuel pump causing momentary arcing and I assume this is the source of the problem in what until now has been a faultless ignition system. I'm looking for advice on the cause and the fix. Many thanks.

[Aquakon]

fuse...
fusible link...(Age of Vessel?)
circuit breaker...
relay (switch)...
Starter solenoid (relay)...

Rumours of my Death Persist

[Tweetybd]

John,

There may be a wire that passes next to the heat exchanger bracket on the aft end of the engine.  If it's shorting against the bracket, you will get the symptoms that you describe.

I once had the engine cutting-out while it was running, and this was the cause.

regards,
Jon

[Mike and Theresa Vaccaro]

John,

Can't tell from your post the type of engine or year of your boat, but we've got an '88 with an M-25XP engine.  There is a 20 AMP in-line fuse between the starter selinoid and the starter (you'll find it by tracing the power wire from the selinoid to the starter).  Ours is accessable through the small access door in the head.  This is depicted in the M-25XP manual, although not very clearly.  Recommend you check the wiring diagram there for ideas.

Good Luck,

Mike Vaccaro
"Spirit" '88 Hull 563