Inconsistent start

[Don O'Gorman]

1992 Mercruiser 3.0. I have a starter that is only a couple years old. It is very inconsistent when I go to crank it. I may go 3 or 4 times turning the key and all I get is the clicking of the solenoid. Then very randomly I will turn it and it will crank and start. I may go 3 or4 times or more with it cranking and starting before I get the click issue again. So my question is: could one possibility be that the coil is going up. Maybe sometimes the coil only gives enough current to energize the solenoid but not enough to turn the flywheel? Or do you believe it is something else causing this inconsistent start? Thanks for any help.

Don

 

[Lazy Daze]

Your starter should have a direct lead right from the battery, right?

Does it currently have a Mercruiser (or other marine-rated) starter?

Possibly bad solenoid - but start by checking ALL wires/cables for good contact including at the battery (and grounds). Don't just look - remove, inspect, clean, tighten.

 

[scoflaw]

Bad slave solonoid could do that.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

In my case, it was a bit of corrosion on the main ground wire where attached to the engine block. Just one of the things to remove, clean, and reinstall. Doesn't hurt.

 

[Don O'Gorman]

I know it took awhile but thanks for all the input from everyone....I was able to determine that it was the slave solenoid. It works fine now that I replaced it. Not sure why there are two solenoids anyway (one slave and one on the starter). Why energize the slave just to have it energize the solenoid on the starter which finally energizes the pinion gear.... seems redundant. Why not just have the ignition key energize the solenoid on the starter and be done with it....but I don't claim to be a mechanic.