Great, new starting problem

[TXTripper]

Ok I have had my boat out about 5 to 6 times this year and only had the overheating problem that I earlier described, well I think I finally got that done. Now a new problem! The boat doesn't want to start! Not a turning over problem, when the key is turned it gives a click (or a double click). Could this be as simple as a weak battery? The reason I didn't think this is this started last time when I was out, but after steady turning of the key, it would finally go through and start. Seems there is a hang up somewhere in the electrics. I am a new boater, but my auto experience makes me think its maybe alternator? maybe starter? Would any of these allow the engine finally starting as I described? When I got the boat started i took it to the trailer and turn it off, then started it..fine. Turned it off. Turned the key...click, agian turn start. and repeated about 3 times. Now I can't get past the click. I think its a relatively simple electric problem, but I was hoping you guys could tell me where to start. Thanks again.

 

[TXTripper]

Re: Great, new starting problem

oh yeah- its a 18 ft, 86 bayliner Capri with a volvo aq125 inboard/outboard engine...details details.

 

[Wotknot]

Re: Great, new starting problem

Check, clean, and retighten all connections....battery positive, battery neg, ground to the block, solenoid, starter, etc

 

[trog100]

Re: Great, new starting problem

if wotnots suggestions dont cure things u have a faulty starter/motor/solenoid.. some systems have a slave relay which feeds the solenoid.. but i think the audible click u hear means power is getting to the solenoid.. <br /><br />the solenoid is in essence a big relay or switch.. it could have faulty contacts and not be passing current to the starter motor.. <br /><br />trog100

 

[TXTripper]

Re: Great, new starting problem

Ok, should I just wire brush the connections and tighten them? or is there a good solvent that will work? Coca Cola?

 

[tommays]

Re: Great, new starting problem

a bad connection should be taken apart and well cleaned a littel bit of emery cloth and a small stainless brush on the posts<br /><br />when you done and its working sealing them with liquid electric tape makes them last a lot longer<br /><br /><br />DONT BE REPIARING ANYTHING WITH THE BATTERY CONNECTED<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[TXTripper]

Re: Great, new starting problem

Ok so its the starter going out I guess, Checked the connections, nothing loose, dirty, or corroded. Turn the key and it gives the "Click"...tried a number of times and once after after about 20 turns, it decided to turn over. turned it off. With the key turned in the starting position, I had a buddy give a "whack" on the starter with a screwdriver and wha-la it turned it over. Repeated this test, and again it turned over...on the market for the starter, but this method should work for tomorrows trip!

 

[achris]

Re: Great, new starting problem

You're going out with a known dodgy starter? <br /><br />Me thinks that's not wise. <br /><br />Chris.........

 

[trog100]

Re: Great, new starting problem

the brushes are sticking in their holders in the starter motor.. its not all that uncommon they dont wear very quickly and dont move much.. over time they kinda get tight in the brush holders.. <br /><br />the whack with the hammer loosens em off and the motor runs for bit.. if u can take it apart and clean em the problem will go away..<br /><br />trog100

 

[achris]

Re: Great, new starting problem

It could also be a broken connection to one of the field coils, also not uncommon, or a burnt contact on the slave solenoid. Bottom line is that you have to remove the starter and get it fixed before you go out in the boat again. Else you could be posting "I got towed in". Not a good look.

 

[LenaJones]

Re: Great, new starting problem

Hi TXTripper<br /><br />What did you do to fix the overheating problem??? I am experiencing the same probs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Great, new starting problem

Before replacing/rebuilding a starter, try jumping the solenoid. If the starter now spins, replace a $20.00 solenoid. If not, then the starter needs some attention. Do the simple stuff first.

 

[schwahn]

Re: Great, new starting problem

From what you have described I would suspect the starter BUT (sorry but I don't think anyone suggested this one yet)have you VERIFIED that the voltage is normal (say 11.8V or higher) with a meter from the ground point on the engine block to the stud on the starter with a large gauage wire on it?<br /><br />I just had the same problem with the starter and it was the solenoid, it cost $75.00 for them to rebuild the starter (they even put new bearings in it) which I thought was well spent.

 

[searay3]

Re: Great, new starting problem

"some systems have a slave relay which feeds the solenoid.."<br />went round and round with this issue checking the starter on my sea ray. Check the slave solenoid, usually easy to get to and a lot easier to repair than yankin the starter....easy stuff first.

 

[maphillips3]

Re: Great, new starting problem

I have basically the same boat and had the same problem, I had just done some work on the boat and had to mess with some of the electrical conections. I went back through and cleaned up all connections and retightend them. everything seems to be ok now, other than a new problem that I have. See "Dead in Water" post.