'89 Tristar dead in water - on labor day wknd!!
 

Just grabbed an '89 Tristar 220 with the Ford 351 (Indmar) engine. Thing runs like a top - former owner was a Corvette mechanic and it's apparent by the overall appearance, sound and overall performance of the motor and carb. HOWEVER, was out with the squad (have 6 kids - YES, 6!!) and boat was running great. Turned boat off to let kids back on boat after tubing and.... dead. Turned key and dead silence. Had turned it on and off numerous times that day and previously with no issues at all. Got back to dock (after getting a tow by a Nautique who quickly told me I shouldn't have bought a "Mastercrap"...) Came here first and have read numerous threads here about starter issues so I'm thinking it's a solenoid issue (since starter doesn't even engage - yes, I whacked it lightly with a hammer.) Battery reads well. All connections look solid and no corrosion. Anyone have thoughts?? Am I on the right track with the solenoid? If so, do I need to pay particular attention to the specific make/model of solenoid? Thx to all in advance!

Been down the solenoid road. Purchased a brand new starter motor with gear reduction, less amps more torque. For $200, it's well worth the investment.

This might help:

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RK122014

PS - You can usually score a 10% discount as well. Just look on their homepage for details. Good luck.

Thanks Rob. Any thoughts on the electronic ignition? That seems to be a favorable path as well...

Again, EI will be money well spent. Skidim has what you need. You'll find that they are a great source for parts and solid information.

Try this....when starting the boat. Take your SHIFT lever and giggle ever so slightly back and forth Forward to Reverse. NOT so the throttle clicks out of neutral. What might be happening is the NEUTRAL SAFETY switch is out of adjustment. (Less than 1/4 in each way) Do this while you are starting the boat.

Jim@BAWS

Good advise from BAWS. Also make sure the saftey lanyard is connected fully and that the clip hasn't bent or broken.

I had a 89 190 TriStar that the ignition switch just quit working one day. Try turning the key and giggling it a bit and see if anything starts to work or if the starter kicks in a bit.

I'm sure JimN could provide better dianogistic help but this is quick and easy.

89 EI was standard

Replace only CAP AND ROTOR

Not condensor or points

Jim@BAWS

I bow to the master.

On our 1989 Prostar190 351W, I went from points/condenser in 2003 with a Prestolite EI/Breakerless ignition conversion kit and haven't look back, money well spent.
Here is a great EI/Breakerless conversion tutorial for your use in the General Discussion FAQ, http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/sh...ronic+ignition