weird starting problem

[Miss Rita]

1992 PS 205 with 351 Indmar. At the beginning of the season it would cold-start instantly, as soon as I turned the key. (I was quite proud of that at the boat ramp.) Now I can crank the engine forever it seems, pump the throttle, etc, but it only starts when I release the key and starter motor stops spinning. The same thing happens when it's warm; it only starts when the key is released.

It has good battery, good battery connections, good plugs and wires, new cap and rotor, recently tuned carb by Peter.

I'm pretty sure this is an electrical glitch; any guesses?

[Cumminscj]

Ignition switch or the ballast bypass. I would start with the switch.

[SJ02]

Make sure that you do not loose ignition power while cranking. First check the I terminal on the ignition switch for 12V+ then go back to the ignition and check for power at the ignition coil.

[Miss Rita]

Thanks for the hints, I'll give it a try.

[Miss Rita]

Update: I replaced the OEM 26 year-old switch and the problem is solved. I checked the old switch, and when it was in "start" position there was power going to both starter and ignition, but apparently not enough juice was getting to the coil to allow the engine to start.

Thankfully it was a relatively easy $18 repair.

[d2jp]

Originally Posted by Miss Rita

Update: I replaced the OEM 26 year-old switch and the problem is solved. I checked the old switch, and when it was in "start" position there was power going to both starter and ignition, but apparently not enough juice was getting to the coil to allow the engine to start.

Thankfully it was a relatively easy $18 repair.

Thanks for posting the fix. I will file this away for future DIY for my '92

I like the simplicity of these older boats......