2005 Centurion Lightning Starting Issues

[Nikj 2]

I have a 2005 centurion lightning with the 330-horsepower MerCruiser

Just replaced the front and rear battery

I'm having intermittent starting issues

It eventually starts but sometimes when I go to turn the key I get nothing

No clicking like it's trying to start, I can hear a relay go on back by the engine but no starting

But, if I try eventually it starts strong, sometime 5 turns of the key sometimes 10+, but it always starts and hasn't left me stranded. (Knock on wood)! Any ideas

Cleaned terminals and contacts on batteries when I replaced them this week

It's weird hopefully some else has experienced this before I drag it in and get in deep with a mechanic

Edited July 11, 2015 by Nikj

[daz28iroc 73]

What are u doing when it finally starts? On my last boat the ignition switch was worn out and would sometimes not do anything when turning the key to the start position. I diagnosed by removing g the starting wire from the back of the switch and crossing it over to the power wire. If it works everytime when crossing over it needs to be replaced. Second thing to check is the safety switch

[RhuntIII 555]

I'm running into similar problems on my rig. This is what I came up with today.

 

http://www.centurioncrew.com/index.php/topic/10308-2002-avymerc-350-mpi-not-starting/

[RhuntIII 555]

So Nikj, your problem is the same as mine? Main 50 amp engine fuse.

[Nikj 2]

Well now I've got something else going on

I got a big spark while cleaning the contacts as it worked when bridged with a needle once pliers and was hoping it was due to a a little rust on those contacts and now I have nothing when I turn the key

The radio button works and I have full power at both batteries

Hoping somewhere I just popped a fuse or something !

Edited July 14, 2015 by Nikj

[RhuntIII 555]

I notice when playing with this main fuse I had a little arc when disconnecting, so I turned off the power to the batteries and went from there. That red 50amp is a reset button try pushing it in. make sure the power if off or disconnect batteries. I ordered my switch and all my maintenance goodies yesterday from boats.net. FYI.

[Nikj 2]

So I am seaworthy again

Turned out when it arced it fried a 50 amp fuse back by the starter

and the intermittent starting was cased by the slave starter solenoid

picked up parts from a marine dealer today and had them in and ready to go by evening

Vacation can start tomorrow

[RhuntIII 555]

That's great news.