starting problem

[trackeravalanchedc]

Ok everybody I got a new starter selonoid put it on hooked up the water to the engine it started perfect 5 or 6 times. I took it up to the lake no prob until I got to the head of a creek 4 or 5 miles from the marina and guess what? hit the key and click click....took off the cowl and the selonoid clicks when I turn the key but the starter does nothing it did eventually start after about 15 or 20 minutes?????? Now Im thinking it is the starter any suggestions?

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: starting problem

I'd start with the battery. A clicking solinoid is a sign of weak voltage. So, look to the battery first, clean the connections. Second check to see if the battery is being charged.
I'd bet on the battery being weak, and a problem with your motors charging system.

 

[trackeravalanchedc]

Re: starting problem

Hmmmm I hadnt thought of that. come to think of it the fish finder keeps reading low battery voltage i have cleaned the terminals and put anti corrosion gel on them..that very well could be the problem as it never happens until ive been on the lake for 3-4 hours running the fish finder and live wells, they run off the engine battery for some reason? the trolling motor is a 24volt and runs off 2 seperate batteries. I dont know why the whole system isnt 24volt?

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: starting problem

Most starting systems are 12 volt, for outboards, I'd rewwire the live wells, to the other battery systems if possible. Tap it into one battery of the two, Assuming its made up of 2 12 volt batteries in series.

 

[trackeravalanchedc]

Re: starting problem

Ok Im going to take the battery down and have it checked at the auto parts store to see if its bad and go ahead and get a seperate battery for the accessories like the livewells and such. Now with the motor running the voltage on the battery should read more than 12 volts if the charging system is working correctly...is that correct? thanks for all your input it has been a great help!

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: starting problem

Depending upon the system, the range of charging voltage could be as high as 16 volts. So when the motor is running, (above idle of course) the voltage should measure over 12.6 volts, and maybe as high as 16 volts at higher RPMs. Newer motors have regulators on them to keep the voltage around 14.5 or so.

 

[trackeravalanchedc]

Re: starting problem

ok thanks again im gonna check it out tommorrow hopefully. Ill let ya know how it all turns out. Im thinking your right though I would think the starter would just not work if it was bad. After you mentioned the battery I got to thinking about it and that makes much more since... thanks again!