starter issues

[jrock1062]

Hello All

I just uncovered the boat this week and started the work to get her ready for the season only to find that when I turn the key all I get is a click :huh: I thought it might be the batteries so off to sears I went got two new batteries, came back same issue. Now I was told that most likely it is the starter but before I change out the starter if anyone else has had this issue,believes it could be something else or has a way for me to test the starter before I pull it I would appreciate any help Thanks

J

 

[electricaldoctor]

Check your battery ground connections from the battery to the engine. Jump 12 volts directly to the starter to rule out a bad solenoid. Try to manually rotate the starter a bit then retry it with the key. You can do this with the starter still in the boat or on the work bench. You may have a "flat spot" on the starter not allowing it to start where it last stopped. Keep us posted.

 

[dwna1a]

Only other thing I would add to the Doc's post is to take a soft headed hammer down and give it a sharp rap on it's backend, and some softer hits around the bendix area. Sometimes the bendix and it's spring get a little jammed up after sitting for a period of time. Do what Doc said first tho

 

[Quint4]

Make sure the motor did not get hydrolocked during winterizing / leaky riser during layup. If the starter troubleshooting reaches a dead end, pull sparkplugs and check for water.

 

[kaz911]

And yes - if you engine is sitting as low in the bilge as it did in my 2009 210 select - then the starter is very close to water splash from the bilge and WILL corrode. Check for corrosion on the 12v + (big fat red) cable to the engine parts. Engine is grounded so = DC Ground - and any corrosion will initiate a power leak directly to ground.

 

[chpsk8]

I have a similar issue on my starboard motor. I can turn the key numerous times, then eventually it will start. I've been on the hard for 12 months now, launching on Friday. I was working on a squeaky belt and noticed a wire off the alternator. Fixed that and the belt.
I also charged up the batteries some more, but not able to charge them overnight yet. I noticed now when I start it only takes a couple clicks. Only tried a couple times, but similar results. I'm hoping a full charge and being able to fully charge with both alternators working will cure my ill, otherwise I'll be right with you troubleshooting.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Check all the cable connections first, then go to the slave solenoid and check that. Short the 2 large lugs and starter should spin. If you get more of a clank than a click suspect possable water in the cylinders or a siezed outdrive.

 

[CliffA]

Check all the cable connections first, then go to the slave solenoid and check that. Short the 2 large lugs and starter should spin. If you get more of a clank than a click suspect possable water in the cylinders or a siezed outdrive.

+1 on checking the slave starting solenoid....my boat had exactly the same symptoms when i first bought it and i replaced the battery and the starter because i did not know about the slave solenoid...still had the problem....did a little research on the forum and put in a new slave solenoid and that fixed the problem....cheap and easy fix....from reading the forum posts this is a common problem.....

cliff

 

[Gunn]

+1 on checking the slave starting solenoid....my boat had exactly the same symptoms when i first bought it and i replaced the battery and the starter because i did not know about the slave solenoid...still had the problem....did a little research on the forum and put in a new slave solenoid and that fixed the problem....cheap and easy fix....from reading the forum posts this is a common problem.....

cliff

+2! This was on my 175 bowrider after having the click, click, click start issue, I too replaced the starter only to have the same problem happen again. This slave solenoid was the problem. It is identical to the two solenoids used on the trim pump for up and down, but located nearer to the engine somewhere.

 

[jrock1062]

Thanks for all the help folks I have rapped it a few times and have check some of the connections I also have changed the plugs no water on them I will be doing some more work on her this weekend hopefully we get her going again thanks for the help I will keep everyone posted

J

 

[larrytbull]

Check your battery ground connections from the battery to the engine. Jump 12 volts directly to the starter to rule out a bad solenoid. Try to manually rotate the starter a bit then retry it with the key. You can do this with the starter still in the boat or on the work bench. You may have a "flat spot" on the starter not allowing it to start where it last stopped. Keep us posted.

+1 on ground from battery.

had similar issue on generator, was pulling my hair out, starter would go click click,had + 12v and had continuity to ground, so I tightend everything, replaced starter 2 times,replaced battery till i figured out that ground wire was not allowing enough current to run through it. I used a jumper cable from battery ground (-) to engine grounding points, and bam it fired right up

quickly ram a new ground wire to generator

 

[jrock1062]

they really need a like button for all the great posts thank you all this weekend I start working on her again

 

[jrock1062]

Sorry it took so long to respond it has been a crazyweek so to give everyone an update.
Once I took a look at wherethe starter was and what it would take to clean all the connections I just wenta head and changed out the starter and the solenoid. The boat is now running just fine. To me it seemeda no brainer the starter was only $230 with the Solenoid, if I was going to beunder there I might as well get it all changed. Again thank you all for the help