Volvo penta starting when i turn on battery

[Escapism Henley]

Can anyone help....just went down to the boat to finish winterising and when i turned on the engine batteries the starboard engine started turning over on its own.....no keys in ignition, it is a flybridge but the top is all covered. any ideas why this is happening and how to sort would be great
Thanks

 

[rosssavage]

To start with:

Remove start relay from electrics box on engine (IIRC you have TAMD63L?). If that fixes it, you have a problem off the engine (edit: or the relay is stuck closed, good point vp!), if it doesn't you've got a problem on the engine.

If it's on engine, visually inspect wiring at starter - is the small cable damaged or touching the big red terminal / cable?
If so, fix that.
If not, remove small wire (insulate the end), try batteries on again.

If it doesn't turn over, 12v is present on small wire. This comes from the relay mentioned earlier, suspect wiring fault in engine electrics box. Investigate.
If it turns over, starter solenoid is stuck in on position. Remove starter and send for rework (unless you're comfortable having a bash yourself)

If it's off engine:
Key switch internal short. Disconnect them both and see what happens. Reconnect one then the other to see which one is duff.

If engine tries to start with key switches disconnected, suspect wiring fault between panels and engine electrics box.


Don't forget to check plug and socket connection on engine electrics box for damage / corrosion.

Let us know how you get on!

 

[Jegs]

Excellent Rossavage, I hope I remember it if I get a similar.

Thanks,

John G

 

[macnorton]

Sound advise given but remember electrical faults can become intermittent so be sure you have found rectified the fault when finished, have you done any work on or near the electrical system lately? even fitting a bracket near a loom or checking oil could disturb electrical connection.
If it ends up being a stuck starter you can free it with Mr hammer in order to winter the engine before getting it overhauled.

 

[volvopaul]

OP has not stated engine model or boat.

Is this the princess 435 he bought and had to fit engines?

Sounds like either the start switch has picked up a feed down the red/ yellow wire to starter relay or the relay has melted and linked in the circuit.