Starter works intermittently

[mhigh4]

I have a 1998 Mariner 25hp engine. My starter will work for awhile and then stop. I can hear clicking when i turn the key, but the apendix will not kick up. I have had the starter rebuilt and tested multiple times. I have replaced the battery, and have cleaned every connection in the boat and in the engine. It seems like after it sits for awhile it will work and then as soon as i use it five or six times it will stop. when you jump over the solenoid it will turn but not kick up the apendix. any suggestions ?

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Starter works intermittently

I would guess that the starter is worn and needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Starter works intermittently

Grease up the bendix with some light grease, take a screwdriver and work the gear up and down. Is the starter spinning all the time? If so, you may have a bendix problem. Does it click but not turn over? Sounds like a solenoid or cable connections. You might want want to replace the solenoid, as it is the only critical thing in the chain that has not been replaced.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Starter works intermittently

I believe what he is saying is that everything is working as it should other than every once in a while the bendix wont enguage, replace the bendix!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Starter works intermittently

Ditto, LubeDude. Replace the bendix if lubing doesn't help. Make sure the battery is totally charged, as those need all they can get.

 

[mhigh4]

Re: Starter works intermittently

I had the starter checked yesterday by a very reputable electric motor company in the area, they put the start under all kinds of stress test, heat test, and etc. They said the starter is fine, it has to be in the boat somewhere !

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Starter works intermittently

Check all grounds for corrosion and tightness. Clean them all! This includes all the positive cables at the battery and selonoid. Sure sounds like this could be the cause of the intermittent problem.<br /><br />EDIT: might want to replace the wires from the battery, as they somtimes break or deteriorate internally.

 

[mhigh4]

Re: Starter works intermittently

how would i test the solenoid to see if it is the problem ?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Starter works intermittently

Jump straight to the starter(Big terminal on starter) from the positive battery cable. Whtch out for the sparks. Best to use a remote starter switch, avalible at any auto parts house. Still betting it's a corroded cable fitting or bad wire. Selonoids generally work or they don't..<br /><br />EDIT: make sure to check small wires on the selonoid, too.

 

[mhigh4]

Re: Starter works intermittently

will try that when it warms up a little bit. its about 10 degrees outside right now ! will get back with all of you ! thanks

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Starter works intermittently

It could very simply be the battery or the amount of charge it has! It will have to be at the top of charge to spin the bendix! If it is an older battery (or sometimes new) it could have a bad cell! Pry the caps off and check it with a hydrometer to make sure all the cells are charging!

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Starter works intermittently

It could be that really cool green stuff that likes living inside power cables. It also is in my first wifes head. Divorce is the only cure I know of, Divorce and replace. Look for swollen spots in the cables. This usually indicates corrosion within the strands of copper. Keep on it.... You will find it......