Optimax Motor wont start

[Cajunhunter67]

Won’t start? Or wont turn over? Regardless charge the battery.  If low voltage alarm goes off again (after charging) battery may need to be replaced.

[spbait]

The slight whir you hear is probably the starter motor turning.  The problem is that the battery is to weak for the solenoid to engage.  Charge and/or replace the battery if charging doesn’t work.

 

[Bass Cat Boats]

They tagged it…

[mrbraq]

The boat is 1 year old. I assume if it’s the battery, it’s not covered under the motor warranty. Is there any other Basscat or battery warranty that would cover it?

Separately, if I want to replace the battery myself and start the motor on land, what’s the recommended hose attachment, etc. I should use?

[mrbraq]

For what it’s worth, we tested the battery and it reported good. This has also happened on a full charge.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Then it’s the cable connection or ground strap.

[Cajunhunter67]

Put a voltmeter on the cranking battery and have someone try cranking it. If the voltage falls off quick (below 10 volts) than its your battery. If it doesn’t, do the same check at the power cable at the starter. If your not getting your full power at the starter, its a bad cable or ground.

If your have full power at the starter and no serious drop in voltage, it may be the starter.

[mrbraq]

Thanks Cajun (you are always a great resource on both this board and BBC) and BCB.

What hose attachment should I use to start the motor in my driveway? Or is it not necessary for a brief start test?

[Cajunhunter67]

I wouldn’t worry about a hose attachment as your just wanting to spin the motor. If your going to allow it to run for a short period, it will heat the water impeller up and will need to run some water thru it.

[JEH in La]

mrbraq:

For what it’s worth, we tested the battery and it reported good. This has also happened on a full charge.

mrbraq, what size is your battery?  I mean like series 24 or series 31?
I had a 24 series battery fully charged and new and tested good.  Had to go to a 31 series battery because it needs more amps to start the late model 200 or 250 Proxs without throwing an alarm.

[mrbraq]

31-MHD I assume that’s the 31 series?

[jaguarjim]

Read your mercury owners manual on battery requirements for Optimax motors. Optimax motors need a minimum of 1000CCA to fire over, if you’re running multiple graphs, or big graphs, or have an old or cheap battery will not have enough power to turn it over hard enough to start it. Oreilly autoparts sells a lead acid battery that has over 1000CCA I believe theirs are made by East Penn. don’t waste your money on interstates, or any other value brand, Trojan also makes a heavy duty starting battery. Also check your kill switch, you’d be surprised how many guys have no starts and forgot they pulled the kill switch.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Today we also like the Odyssey brand though they are like the Northstar, expensive. The Full River AGM is another worthy battery of mention.

[mrbraq]

Tested the Interstate 31-MHD again and it only registered 7.76 volts and 500 CCA when cranking.

I do have 2x Helix 10s…didnt consider the electronics.

I think its covered under an 18 month warranty, but it sounds like I should get another brand. Has anyone tried to apply a warranty credit to another brand?

[Bass Cat Boats]

If this is the standard Premium Package with a Pro Guide branded battery then yes there is a warranty. Those can be shipped to the dealership and we would want that battery back.

BCB

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