Click sound when turning engine over

[BigOtis]

Guys,
I have a 1998 mercruiser 3.0LX engine and im having to turn the key two or three times to get the engine to finally turnover. I turn the key and it gives me one click. turn it a gain and it may click or turn over and fire up. Sounds like a solenoid? Either slave or starter but im not sure which one. The click sounds like its coming from the starter area. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. Otis.

 

[Scott Danforth]

start by cleaning all your terminals starting at the battery and working your way toward the starter. 90% of the time it is simply a bad connection.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

I second what Scott said on connections & make sure you have a good freshly charged battery.

If that's all good it could be something in the starter going such as worn brushes. Holding the key while tapping on the started with a small hammer can often get a starter with bad brushes to start turning.

 

[youstolemybeer]

once you clean all the connections under the engine cover, you will finally get to the starter. Take it out and go up to your tow vehicle. Connect a pair of jumper cables to the tow vehicle and then put the POS clamp on the starter solenoid and the small terminal. Momentarily tap the GROUND clamp to the starter. If the starter doesn't spin, but just clicks you have bad starter guts and it needs to be cleaned out. Or just replace it.
Good luck

 

[BigOtis]

As always, Thanks Guys. Ill get on it.

 

[Bondo]

As always, Thanks Guys. Ill get on it.

Ayuh,.... Like Scott says, ya need Shiny metal Clean connections at each point of the system,..... Grease 'em, 'n they'll stay that way,.... I'm fond of Fluid Film for the task,....

 

[BigOtis]

As always thanks guys. Yall Rock!