SOS started my honda 50 with the emergency rope lastnight

[Québec 1]

Hello,
OK, I'm confused. Did he not say that the motor cranked but did not start? That cannot be a neutral switch because it normally interrupts the starter. Although, if the voltage is low then the switch is seeing more current. The man overboard switch will allow the motor to crank without starting.

The motor only cranks when I put a screwdriver tip to the what I believe is the solenoids on the motor, not from the side mounted control panel on the pedestal. When I turn the key on the control panel the first turn I get a click and then the next turn nothing. At this time I think its the neutral switch, my mechanic also thinks its the neutral switch cause the power goes into the switch but not out . Be patient with me ...I have no mechanical knowledge..I work with limited knowledge, limited terms and high hopes...especially high hopes.

I majored in philosophy, theology and psychometric testing and can only conclude that the Holy Spirit has not empowered the basic stereotypical compulsions of the neutral switch in a way which liberates its natural abilities and acts in such a manner which conforms to its natural and cultural groups normal comportments. As you can see my education and training is of no !!!/%"*&$**/ing use here
Q1

[Retcoastie]

its the neutral switch cause the power goes into the switch but not out .

I think you got it. You could, as has been suggested, put a jumper across this switch. This would allow careful use until the switch was replaced.

[Québec 1]

How many amps does it take to start the motor?

[MSS]

How many amps does it take to start the motor?

About 100 - 150 Amps depending on temp, engine oil, cabling and battery status.

[Québec 1]

Think i found the problem:

After getting new batteries installed earlier this year, the installer attached all the connections to the battery posts on the battery underneath the motor well but did not tighten them more than by a few turns. I tightened the bolts on the baterry poles by a lot...they were not correctly secured and now power is okay, amperage is ok and the motor starts at every turn.

The best point of this experience was that I learnt that it is not really a big deal to start the Honda 50 with a cord.
The bad point was that the situation got me all flustered when I should have Zenned my way through it to reach the correct conclusion.

I wish to thank all those fine sailors who voiced their opinion on this thread and especially to Alex for the phone call and pm which put me on the right track. Couldn't have done it so quickly and cheaply ( bought a multi meter at CT for 14.95 ) without your help.

Q1

p.s. taking the control box apart was an interesting experience

[Hamin' X]

Did I forget to mention, with a starting problem, always check the battery connections first. Glad you found it. ~Rich

[Gunkholer]

I believe you owe Cuisto a big plate of poutine ,a lean smoked meat sandwich and 3 kosher dills. LOL!!!!

[Québec 1]

I believe you owe Cuisto a big plate of poutine ,a lean smoked meat sandwich and 3 kosher dills. LOL!!!!

Make that a cruise on the St Lawrence , a bottle of wine and and cheese fondue.
Q1

[robbarnes1965]

I'm glad you figured out how to start with the cord. I had a problem last summer and had no luck with it. The angle I need to pull at gives me no leverage.

My backup was reading "Sailboat electrics Simplified" and "Understanding Boat Bateries and Battery charging" this winter. That and 2 new batteries to replace the ones I destroyed last season out of ignorance...

Where do you sail in the St.Lawrence. I'm at Beaconsfield but previously tried the LaRonde marina in the old port. The current is sick - even with the 50 hp. Not to mention wrecking my daggerboard in 20ft of water. 400 years of use as a sewer/ dumping ground makes it tough to sail there.

Rob

[Québec 1]

In order to get it to work with a cord ...I crouched on the port side behind the wheel ( helm seat up) , jiggled the throttle a number of times ,installed the rope knot in the middle aft section of the circular rope holding thing on the motor and hit my arm on the wheel as I ended my pull. It started the time I did not hit the wheel. If you have the motor well throttled It will work.

I am in the Québec City area, I am presently at the Marina de l'anse St Michel. There are a number of Sorrel and Montreal boats at the marina for the summer cause its small, quiet, beautiful and 20 minutes away from the Chateau Frontenac with the tide or 1 hour against it when motoring it in a Macgregor...twice as long or more in a regular sailboat . marina costs 358$ a month or 1K a year,,, power, water, HS Internet showers fridge , freezer, oven and microwave in the office (may 5th to freeze up) ...but they take the docks out at the end of September.When the tides are going out..... there is a 3.5 knot current. It is an excellent place to learn how to sail cause there is pretty wide water a few kilometres down river, the Isle of Orleans , plenty of sand banks and you are a star if you beach your Mac on the Beach beside the Marina and have a beer..

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[Alex]

Q1 Thank you for kind words Good Luck, Have a Fun.......

[KayakDan]

I believe you owe Cuisto a big plate of poutine ,a lean smoked meat sandwich and 3 kosher dills. LOL!!!!

Make that a cruise on the St Lawrence , a bottle of wine and and cheese fondue.
Q1

Or maybe he should join us for the second annual "International Mac Owners Gathering at Le Pape Georges in February!

Q1,if it makes you feel any better,I just had a similar experience. 3 weeks ago I changed out both batteries,and all was well. Last weekend,as I was approaching Cuttyhunk under sail,5+knts,sun is shinng,life is good-then suddenly there's no more Jimmy Cliff,and the GPS goes black! Crap!,I'm gonna have to sail into Cuttyhunk(no easy trick!)

Checked out all the breakers,and fuses-no power-but the motor ticks over...hmmm. So let's motor in and figure this out.
Culprit was corrosion that built up on the underside of one batery terminal end-not visible until I took it apart,and this terminal was clean three weeks ago. All terminals and ends get cleaned and clearcoated this weekend. It's the little things that can drive you crazy!