1989 3207 Aft Cabin Port engine will not turnover

[Chiefshack]

I have twin MIE Merc 5.7. For some reason the port engine will not turnover when I turn the key from either station. With the key on all functions work, except to engage the starter. Is there a starter slave breaker. I check the 50 amp main breaker and it appears to be closed. With the key on and I attach a remote starter on the 12v and Pos terminal the engine starts right away. Is there a common component that will not let the engine start from either helm station?

Thanks so much for your time,
Terry
USN Ret

[waybomb]

Neutral safety switch on transmission?
I believe it should be a closed switch in neutral.

[bud37]

Have a look for the starter solenoid....they can do just this.......not sure what you mean by the 12v and pos terminal.
Actually you could just swap things from the good side to check first.
And of course the above, is it in neutral.

[Viper]

You probably have a slave solenoid on the front left side of the engine. Pretty common for them to fail. Have someone try starting it while you listen at the engine. That solenoid should click, if it doesn't, it's faulty or there is a wiring or ignition switch issue. If it does click and you know how to use a volt meter, you should have voltage on the load side (big wires) when it clicks. That would be positive lead on a red wire and the black test lead to a ground point. Check both red leads. If you have voltage there, it's likely a starter problem.

[Chiefshack]

@Viper thank you I am checking the stater salve solenoid today.

[SplashyLady]

I know this sounds hokey, but hit the solenoid with a hammer while someone is turning the key and see if it engages and works. They sometimes stick and a nice bang will knock it loose. This is NOT permanent - if it works you still have to change it out - but it will tell you if the solenoid is the problem.

[Cooler]

Any chance your shifter cable is not in perfect neutral position? Cables can stretch a bit and seem like they are in neutral, but off just a bit. er

[Viper]

Ya move the shifter back and forth while you hold the key in the start position. If she starts, you found your problem.