www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 1992 Horizon with an OMC Cobra 5.0.

I have been trying to get this thing started off and on all summer. I would like to get it started then winterize it and seriously need to make this happen today. No pressure.

The boat has not been started in over two years.

I have pumped out all fuel, changed spark plugs and wires, put on a new distributor cap and rotor.

I have two issues going on right now.

First, no spark.

Second, the motor quit turning over yesterday. I'm thinking the next step is to pull the spark plugs and turn the motor by hand to be sure that it's not locked up. I can't imagine it would lock up if it's turning fine and never started.

My guess is that I've killed the starter?

I forgot to mention that I put a brand new battery on the boat yesterday as well.

I have the battery on my charger as we speak to insure I'm working with a good strong battery.

Right now, when I attempt to start, it just goes thump and does not turn.

Any little tiny bit of info you have to offer would be so totally appreciated.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any assistance you have to offer.

Have you checked the safety kill switch by the throttle.

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'96 200 Horizon 5.8l VP/SX

Is the safety kill switch the other end of the chord that you are supposed to attach to your person so that if you fall out of the boat it kills the motor?

I have the piece plugged into the switch if thats it.

As an aside, the key start working sporadically. I'm working at the motor so I am crossing the two posts on the selenoid with a screwdriver to get it to start.

I'm new to boats so feel free to tear me to shreds here.

I'm a sponge and ready to learn.

Yes that's it. Take it off wiggle it around just too make sure it's seated. You could also check the back side with a test light to make sure it has power on both sides when plugged in. Also check and make sure it is in neutral. Then check to make sure you have power to the starting solenoid on the ignition side.

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'96 200 Horizon 5.8l VP/SX

Ok, great, will do.

If I push the throttle forward and pull back until I find the spot that it stopS. Is that neutral?

I grabbed the manual yesterday and was reading through but couldn't really tell where neutral was.

I only ran the boat about 5 times and that was three summers ago so I don't remember exactly.

I can post vid or pics if it will help.

Ya the throttle handle should be straight up when in neutral. I forgot to put it in neutral once felt like an idiot when I figured that one out.

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'96 200 Horizon 5.8l VP/SX

The switch is working correctly.

I tested it in both conditions and it has power on both sides when the plug is in.

http://youtu.be/fOZgXfbNVCY

Here is a link to a vid of me trying to get the motor to turn over.

That's an ominous thunking sound.

Was turning over yesterday and just quit.

Should I replace the starter?

Sounds to me like the solenoid is kicking like it should but one of the following is happening:

1. The starter is either locked up or dead
2. The starter is unable to crank because of something going on with the engine
3. Your battery just doesn't have enough amps to turn it (defective new batteries are more common than many people realize)
4. There's a questionable connection between the battery and the starter. Check those - it's surprising how little corrosion it can take to cause cranking problems. Based on your description I'd take a close look on this one.

If you feel you've ruled out the battery and its connections, you might want to try to crank it by hand before diving into the starter, which may not be a trivial job depending on what kind of access you have to it.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Hey Mike thanks a million for all your help today, I really appreciate it. Starting up a new thread for my next mission. I guess I'm going to have to give up on getting it started so I'm moving on to winterizing.