Thanks Marty, that’s all very useful including the off-list info on the
non-servicibility of the solenoid (that will save me some time). I think I
will start by checking the condition & resistance of the ignition key and
starter button since that’s the one area I have not yet opend up to have a
close look at and as you point out, it is pretty exposed to the weather. On
my list of “someday projects” is to make a protective cover or flap to ward
off rain and give that panel and the key some protection from accidental
impacts. I’ll check the other resistances also. The batteries are getting
along in years and though they still do pretty well, the cumulative effect
of low voltage and one or more marginal connections could be source of the
problem. However the failure to start seems as likely (or more so) when the
batteries are freshly charged as when they have been sitting so I’m voting
for it’s being a bad connection or the switch.
I think I will print out all your very detailed BCC & Yanmar maintenance
tips and bind them into a troubleshooting manual for the boat! Not to make
work for you or someone else, butwouldn’t it be nice to have them as part of
a FAQ for the BCC owner’s website?
Thanks again,
Scott