volvo penta starter solenoid

[mattonthesea]

recently, the button has not wanted to get the starter solenoid into position or start the engine. I have no specific knowledge of volvos but I assume it's a pre-engage starter?

Is this a common problem with these engines/panels? Is the problem likely to be at the panel or the engine end?

 

[MoodySabre]

Could just be a poor contact in the system not allowing enough current to the solenoid. I'd start by checking through, starting with connections at the fuse box that sits on top the engine (VP 2003 anyway) and both sides of the switch and down to the solenoid. I assume your battery is OK. If you are getting nothing at all at the ignition then perhaps the fuse has blown - htere are more than one in the fuse box so just swap the connectors. I once had the wire drop out of the connector and had to re-crimp it. (a bit embarrassing in a lock in Holland).

On my old VP 2003 I had an issue with the short braided wire that connects from the solenoid to the starter. It had corroded and in the end just broke (it got hot with the current trying to pass and burnt through the last bit). I got someone to put it in a new wire.

 

[VicS]

recently, the button has not wanted to get the starter solenoid into position or start the engine. I have no specific knowledge of volvos but [highlight]I assume it's a pre-engage starter?[/highlight]

Is this a common problem with these engines/panels? Is the problem likely to be at the panel or the engine end?

You dont say what engine but almost certainly yes unless it's a very old one with a Dynastarter

 

[vyv_cox]

I have experienced the same problem very many times with VW vans and with Yanmar engines. All have basically similar starter motors. It has always without fail been solved by eliminating any poor resistance between the switch/button and the solenoid connection on the starter motor. After years of this problem with a Yanmar 27 HP I ran a cable directly from the switch to the motor, bypassing four connectors and plugs. This seems to have totally solved the problem.

 

[mattonthesea]

Thanks for replies. I'm getting to know the wiring quite well on this boat but this will be a first on the engine side!

 

[mattonthesea]

I should have said that this is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it will start straight off but on most occasions is takes a few pushes of the button to catch. On some occasions I can hear the solenoid move but nothing else

 

[VicS]

I should have said that this is an intermittent problem. Sometimes it will start straight off but on most occasions is takes a few pushes of the button to catch. On some occasions I can hear the solenoid move but nothing else

Most likely a bad connection somewhere.. I'd start by suspecting/ checking the button itself