engine turns over then "clicks"?

[rhombus10]

I have a '93 Chaparral 2200 SLC. The engine is the Volvo Penta 570 A/PS.

The boat sat in the marina for two weeks. When I went to start it this week, the engine turns over once and then all I get is a clicking sound that I've never heard before. Each time I try to start it I get the same results... it turns over and then starts "clicking". Is this a common problem on an older boat? The starter maybe? Or something entirely different?

 

[eighty2scrambler]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

IT sounds like you have a dead battery, be sure to check the leads on the battery cables also, bad connection will give poor performance. Probably not the starter if it was working fine before and never gave trouble.

When is the last time you replaced the battery?

 

[wca_tim]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

check all batter cable connections, put a good charge on the battery, start it up and check the voltmeter to be sure charging. If battery is old, charge it then load test it (most auto parts stores will do this for you if you don't have a load tester).

That's what I would do anyhow...

 

[rhombus10]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

The battery is 2 years old and probably due for a replacement. In the past when the battery has died, the motor doesn't usually turn over. Turning over once and then just repeatedly clicking concerns me. It is'nt one click and nothing but repeated clicks. The motor will click for as long as I turn the key. When I stop and try again, the motor turns over and then click, click, click, click... Does that still sound like a dead battery?

 

[eighty2scrambler]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

Does to me... WHen my battery dies it will click continuously as the key is held down.

put it on a slow trickle charge and you might be able to save the battery, or... $80 bucks will bring you back in business

 

[tarheelebbtide]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

Yes, it sounds pretty much exactly like a dead battery to me.

 

[rhombus10]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

Thanks for everyone's help. I'll put a charger on it and see if I can get it started. Either way, it sounds like a new battery is the way to go.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

Not only does it sound like a low battery, you need to stop holding the key in the start position while it clicks. What you are doing is burning the contacts in your solenoid - it doesn't like low voltage. Pretty soon you will be replacing that as well. Just a little "heads up."

 

[rhombus10]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

Not only does it sound like a low battery, you need to stop holding the key in the start position while it clicks. What you are doing is burning the contacts in your solenoid - it doesn't like low voltage. Pretty soon you will be replacing that as well. Just a little "heads up."

Thanks for the "heads up". I hardly cranked it at all once it started clicking... I've never heard it do that before... even before when I had a dead battery.

 

[Don S]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

It won't click like that with a dead battery, just a LOW or Almost dead battery. There is JUST enough voltage and amperage to engage the solenoid, but the amperaged drops quickly because of the power draw and allows the solenoid to disengage. Then as the voltage catches back up it engages again. It just all happens very quickly.
Charge your battery completely, then have it load tested, put it back in and make sure all the connections are secure (wing nuts are NOT good enough unless you use pliars). Then you will be fine.
IF it fails the load test replace it.

 

[fletcher0780]

Re: engine turns over then "clicks"?

could be a corroded ground connection. try using a jumper cable to from the negative terminal to the engine block to rule out a bad ground.