MerCruiser 3.0 Litre I/O - No Start, just "click"

[marksmith54]

- new battery, fully charged. battery wires checked. wires tight.
- blower and warning alarm works OK
- small fuse on end of starter solenoid has continuity across it
- breaker on top of engine has continuity across it
- when I turn the key, all I get is a "click"
- have banged on starter a bit with hammer - no change

Any ideas? Do I whack the starter harder? (It's below the solenoid, right?)

NEW INFO: Click is coming from the top of the engine - near the circuit breaker.

MCM 3.0 Litre
DOM = Oct 2004

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: MerCruiser 3.0 Litre I/O - No Start, just "click"

"click" ,is that from the main starter mounted solenoid or the "slave" solenoid
go to Adults section and download the manual for you engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: MerCruiser 3.0 Litre I/O - No Start, just "click"

This thread should help you locate your problem.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[marksmith54]

Re: MerCruiser 3.0 Litre I/O - No Start, just "click"

Thank you very much. This was exactly what I needed to diagnose my bad slave solenoid. Likely saving me money, improving my peace of mind (engine runs great) and making me feel "smart"! (my wife's impressed).

Jumped around the solenoid, just like you indicated and she started right up.

2 questions:
- what is the purpose of a slave solenoid anyway?
- would you recommend buying one on-line? Looks like it's simply bolted to the side of the engine.

Thanks again!

 

[Bondo]

Re: MerCruiser 3.0 Litre I/O - No Start, just "click"

what is the purpose of a slave solenoid anyway?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...
Instead of the Power runnin' all the way forward to the Key,+ back to the motor to power it's systems on those tiny wires,...
It allows the motor to draw Power directly from the battery on a fairly Large wire....
Cleaner Power so to speak...
And,..
Yes, it's a pretty simple Swap,... Disconnect the battery 1st.....