Clicking sound when trying to start engine ( not batteries or starter)

[tfhyndman]

Twin 454’s 370 Sundancer
Both engines are making a clicking sound when trying to start. After a few minutes of pushing the “start switch” it will start and run fine.
Has new batteries and 2 new starters and still have this problem.
Any ideas?

 

[Strecker25]

Sounds like the Slave solenoid. Cheap and easy fix

 

[tfhyndman]

Thanks
That’s what I was thinking. I saw recent posts about a loose engine block ground. Any idea where that ground is on a 454 and what does it ground to?

 

[hottoddie]

I agree on the bad ground. Can you follow the heavy black negative battery cable to where it attaches to the engine. Very common to see it attached to one of the bell housing bolts. If you have a set of automotive jumper cables you can run one from the negative battery terminal to the engine block to create a temporary ground and see if it starts.

 

[tfhyndman]

Thanks
Will try this weekend.