Can a boat be allergic to water or just demon possesed?

[pwpns]

I have a 98 Stingray 192 RX with a 4.3L mercruiser in it. I went to take the boat out for the first time this year this last Sunday. After cleaning the boat and installing a new battery I put the muffs on it and started it to make sure it would start and run. It did so without problem. I took the boat to the lake about 1/2 hour away and put it in the water. The boat refuses to run. The few times it would start it would just run at idle and real rough with a lot of stumbling then mostly just backfires. I go the next day after getting the boat home and try to restart it. It fires up fine and runs. I then turn it off and go to restart it and it refuses to start and then all I'm getting is a clicking noise from the engine. So I replace the solenoid up by the carb still just clicking noise. Anybody got any suggestions? Thanks Kent

 

[acdc96]

Your boat is possessed! Your starter might be shot. And maybe a carb rebuild is in the future. Post a video of the noise.

 

[Bondo]

I have a 98 Stingray 192 RX with a 4.3L mercruiser in it. I went to take the boat out for the first time this year this last Sunday. After cleaning the boat and installing a new battery I put the muffs on it and started it to make sure it would start and run. It did so without problem. I took the boat to the lake about 1/2 hour away and put it in the water. The boat refuses to run. The few times it would start it would just run at idle and real rough with a lot of stumbling then mostly just backfires. I go the next day after getting the boat home and try to restart it. It fires up fine and runs. I then turn it off and go to restart it and it refuses to start and then all I'm getting is a clicking noise from the engine. So I replace the solenoid up by the carb still just clicking noise. Anybody got any suggestions? Thanks Kent

Ayuh,...... Remove, sand to shiny metal clean the wirin' ends, startin' at both battery terminals, to the block, 'n starter,.... If the solenoid is Clickin', it's probably Workin',.... Yer starter, startin' issue sounds like corrosion,..
For yer runability issues,....Check the Contents of the fuel filter for anything But fresh clean gasoline,.....
Check the color, 'n condition of the spark plugs,.....
Check the condition of the distributor cap, 'n rotor,....

 

[pwpns]

Okay I started troubleshooting the boat it has not done anything but click when you move the key to start. I took all the connections loose and sanded them. I replaced the solenoid as stated earlier. In my exploration I found the fuse next to the starter was reading open and I replaced it thinking that would clear my problems but it didn't. I have taken the starter to autozone and had it tested and the starter is good. I checked continuity on the wires from the solenoid to the starter and grounds and they test okay. Also checked the neutral safety switch and it tested good. I also checked the ignition fuse under the dash and it was okay. I also checked the overheat switch on the gooseneck and it showed open (engine cold) and the oil pressure switch was also open (not sure if either of these two switches would not allow the engine to crank. Would the ecm cause a no crank condition. Are there any other fuses or items that would cause a no crank issue

 

[Speakrdude]

I recommend a priest at the next splash! Beads, Wine, little smoky thing, etc...

 

[redneck joe]

I recommend a priest at the next splash! Beads, Wine, little smoky thing, etc...

yep.


is it a click as in an small electrical or is the starter engaging (bendix) engaging the flywheel and then not doing anything that would be a much 'heaver' click more like a thunk

 

[SSTKO81]

Have had similar problems with mine in the past. Try running a ground jumper from (-) on your battery to the body of your starter. If it starts then it's a grounding issue with the starter. Clean the mating surfaces and retry. If not then at that point I'd suggest making an offering to poseidon and seeing if he'll release your boat...

 

[midcarolina]

Pull your spark plugs and try and spin her over, just to eliminate a hydro lock condition........

 

[pwpns]

It is a small click not a clunk like the starter is engaging. The engine will turn over with a socket on the balancer bolt. I'm beginning to think the battery might have a problem. I will try a jumper to the starter and see what that does. Maybe some holy water too.

 

[Maclin]

If it is a battery problem then I think you need Holy Distilled Water.

 

[redneck joe]

why not grab the battery out of the vehicle?

 

[pwpns]

It was the battery. Cheap Wal-Mart crap. With a new battery and fuel/water filter and 14 gallons of non-ethanol fuel maybe now I can get things worked out.
Thanks everybody for the help. Kent