Delayed engine crank then starting fine

[Jefflafo]

Went out today and the boat and had something weird happen. Turned the key and nothing so got a jump pack and still nothing. Out of dumb luck I got it to start by holding key in start position for 5 to 8 seconds then it would crank and start. Also noticed the power tilt works fine from the engine but I have a delay at the throttle. I have never heard of a problem like this with a outboard but now it's constantly happening with my 150 hpdi. Most times it is only 3 to 5 seconds but at times I've had to hold the key closer to 10 before it would crank and start. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

[99yam40]

you need to better explain what you mean by crank.
to me crank means to turn the motor with the starter.

did the turn of the key to the start position cause the starter to engage the flywheel, but not turn the motor?

[Jefflafo]

Absolutely, it started normally after the delay. But before that nothing happens no clicking or sound what so ever. Then starter engages and starts as normal. Like I said it can take anywhere between 3 to 10 seconds before anything happens.

[99yam40]

only thing I can think of is a bad connection between where you hooked the jump box and the starter relay.
cables have gone bad too inside the insulation or between the cable ends and wire itself
do yo have a battery switch?

[Jefflafo]

Yes and I replaced the battery switch this spring, the old one was turning hard. Cables looked fine and checked the connections to the starter and block.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

My ignition switch, (now 15 years old), would do something similar.

I'd turn the key to CRANK, nothing, no clicks, nothing. (Starter relay, confirmed failed/ and replaced years ago). Release and turn key to crank again, the it'd spin (crank ) over. and start.

Put some really good electronic cleaner down the key hole (figuring dirty contacts inside the switch) and it worked.
After about a year, I'd have to spritz a little again. Now, I only had to turn the key a second time & didn't hold the key "on crank" for many seconds..

Eventually, I'll replace the switch..

Might try the electronic cleaner...



I suspect the power tilt issue, at the lever, is a crappy electrical connection at the switch (different issue altogether).


.

[Jefflafo]

I'll give it a try. I was also thinking starter relay. But I figured the relay would either work or wouldn't work, not work on a delay

[99yam40]

You can always test voltage to switch and out of switch when turning the key to see if the switch is the problem before replacing it

[Jefflafo]

Thanks I'll try that too, a buddy of mine said sounds like a ground issue so I'll have to check the ground and ground wires as well.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I'll give it a try. I was also thinking starter relay. But I figured the relay would either work or wouldn't work, not work on a delay

Manipulating the key on/off, on/off would help clean up the contacts if their crappy. If really bad, no turning will help...



The starter relay, if failing, often "clicks" but no power makes it to the starter(the coil that activates the relay works internally). No clicking would generally indicate no power to the relay



My starter relay contacts points (it always clicked, but no power transferred due to burned up contact points) torn down:

[Jefflafo]

I'm going to mess around with it this weekend and see if I can't figure it out, thanks again for the advice