SX230 Positive Cable Loose on Starter

[Sjetter]

I have been having intermittent starboard starter/starting problems for several months. After replacing the starter relay last week, the problem appeared to be fixed, but after a few hours on the lake the starter failed to shut off with the key. Had to shut off the battery to kill the engine. Upon further investigation I found the positive cable from the relay to the starter loose. I tried every tool that I owned to reach the nut on the terminal on top of the starter to tighten. Unsuccessful. Has anyone had this problem? If so how did you go about reaching the nut to tighten?

 

[Marvin willis]

I pulled the starter out. 10 min job

 

[Scottintexas]

I don't understand how a loose cable on the starter would cause it to run continuously, shouldn't it cause it only to start intermittently?

Can somebody explain it to me ?

 

[Sjetter]

I pulled the starter out. 10 min job

Understand.......Thanks

 

[Gym]

I'm wondering if the loose cable caused arcing at the starter relay contacts. When the contacts get pitted from arcing they can stick closed. Vibration, or killing the power can open them up again.

 

[chesbay007]

Did you replace the starter relay with the OEM Yamaha relay or an aftermarket one? I had the same issue after replacing with the aftermarket one and the OEM one fixed the issue. Pretty sure you have a fault relay and not a starter cable loose.

 

[Sjetter]

Did you replace the starter relay with the OEM Yamaha relay or an aftermarket one? I had the same issue after replacing with the aftermarket one and the OEM one fixed the issue. Pretty sure you have a fault relay and not a starter cable loose.

Yes it was OEM. I pulled the starter and tightened the positive cable reinstalled starter. Now when I go to start the engine cranks and starts but will not shut off with the key. I trued 2 different known good ignition switches, no joy. I may have fried the new start relay because of the loose connection. It may have had the starter engaged while in "ON" and eng running while not aware and burned it up or bad from stock. At any rate another one is on order.

 

[Scottintexas]

Have you tested the starter relay?

 

[Sjetter]

Have you tested the starter relay?
View attachment 39918View attachment 39918

I have not.....will do though. Thanks Scott!