Boat won't start

[studders]

Hello I have a 1989 Baja Islander 190 with mercruiser 3.0. I got stuck on the lake last week because it wouldn't start when we were done. Keeps clicking. Sounds like the starter so I took it off and had it tested. They said it was good. Think I will take the alternator off next and have that tested. While out on the lake it wouldn't even jump off of my buddies boat. If you put a good battery in it it will fire up. After running for a bit and turn it off it won't fire back up. If anyone has any other options that I could check other than the alternator which I'm going to have tested today that would be great. Thanks for any input.

 

[TheHunter990]

Check your battery cables, ground to block, positive to starter and positive from alternator to starter or battery. Corrosion can prevent the alternator from charging.

You can do a quick volt meter check yourself to test the alternator. With boat running (on muffs, etc) you want to be seeing 14 volts at the battery.

 

[johnzonh]

I had a culprit slave solenoid last year...did great cold...fresh battery..but as the season wore on...kept failing...replaced...then it was fine. look there as well

 

[wahlejim]

Clean all of your connections down to shiny metal

 

[Rick Stephens]

That's the trick.

Clean all of your connections down to shiny metal

 

[studders]

Thanks for the tips. I have noticed that every time I open the hood there is always a lot of moisture on every inch of the motor. Is there a way to prevent so much moisture? I typical let it dry for awhile before I cover it back up.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... It's alittle tough to get away from moisture when boatin' in the water,....

Good ventilation helps,....

I agree with the others above, ya probably got corroded wirin' ends, clean 'em shiny metal clean,....
'n quit throwin' parts at it,...
Get a multimeter, 'n Test things, insteada just replacin' stuff,....

 

[biggjimm]

Most alternators won't put out much if anything at idle though. It might look like it's bad & not charging until you get the rpm's up to the 1500-2000 range.