Looks like the solenoid is done

[scott11]

Well i was out yesterday to start up the motor and first thing i turned the key then the motor fired right up. After running for about 15 seconds it stalled so i gave it another try and it started sputtering then i turned the key off and it kept turning over but didnt try and start. I had to pull the positive terminal off to get it to stop and then i just left it until today. Tried it today and thought the battery was dead but i had power to everything else so i tried boosting off my back up battery and the positive terminal started shooting sparks like a welder. I decided i better not try that again so i turned it over again and noticed it was turning over but so slowly you could barely hear it. I have been having troubles like this with the solenoid sticking before so thats why i think it is probably a bad solenoid or slave solenoid. What do you guys think?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Ayuh,.... Sounds like Bad Batteries,+/or Bad Wiring.....

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Disconnect the battery or starter lead from the selonoid to stop the suspected high current draw. Then troubleshoot your ignition swtich along with the entire starter circuit. That way you find the problem to replace the right component rather than rule out components with new purchases. Boats are a big enough hole in the water without throwing money to the wind.

My starter issue ended up being a 20-cent fuse, but I was suspecting a bad ignition switch before troubleshooting the circuit.

 

[scott11]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Ya im not sure. The battery is basically brand new and even when i hook the back up battery to it it still barely turns over. I was hoping it wasnt bad wiring but i dont know. I have power to everything else just not to start the engine

 

[Don S]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Other than a boat, What are we working on?????

 

[scott11]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Other than a boat, What are we working on?????

Yea I have to admit ever since buying the boat a few weeks back i have been kept busy thats for sure. As much as i hate having to constantly put out money I do enjoy having something to keep me busy with all my free time after work and on weekends. I just keep telling myself how much im going to enjoy the end results in the spring.

 

[Don S]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Yea I have to admit ever since buying the boat a few weeks back i have been kept busy thats for sure. As much as i hate having to constantly put out money I do enjoy having something to keep me busy with all my free time after work and on weekends. I just keep telling myself how much im going to enjoy the end results in the spring.

I meant what engine, drive model and year.

Read this thread,
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=220416

Should help clear up some points.

 

[scott11]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

oh lol sorry.. The engine is an 84 mercruiser 140

 

[Don S]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

It sounds to me like you may have a number of problems.
Pull the spark plugs and see if the engine will crank over, and see if there is any water in the cylinders when you crank it over.
If it won't turn over with the starter, turn it by hand. A wrench on the alternator pulley nut should work fine with the plugs out, if the belt is tight.
Also head up to the adults only sticky at the top of this forum. There are service manual downloads and a How too for checking the starting system. Plus some other good stuff to read.

 

[scott11]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

I actually did make sure the engine turns over earlier and its all good. The starter is just turning over so slow it wont even engage. You can barely hear it from the front of the boat. Ill take a look at that manual. Thanks for the info

 

[Don S]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Did you pull the plugs? Was there any rust on them? or water? I know the engine turns, but does it turn easy by hand? it should. If not you might even have an outdrive going bad. Pull it off and see if the engine will turn easily.

If after all that, and the engine turns ok, pull the starter and take it to your local starter/alternator repair shop, and have them check it out and fix if necessary.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Looks like the solenoid is done

Has the starter ever been submerged...even once?