mercruiser 3.0 starter hangs

[Jacalore]

On occasion when I turn the ig key, the starter doesn't turn over, just a click. If I try it 2 or 3 times it will start the engine. This is a new development. I've only had the boat out a couple times this year, but battery is new last year and is charged. Q: is this how starters typically fail?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If it`s a soft click ,that's the slave solenoid, it its a loud click/crunch ,that's the starters solenoid

 

[Jacalore]

More like the former than the latter. That click is the solenoid engaging?

 

[Jacalore]

Gonna check the grounds...

 

[Bondo]

Gonna check the grounds...

Ayuh,.... Check ALL the wirin' connections for corrosion while yer at it,....

 

[SSTKO81]

have had a similar issue with mine for years. finally broke down, removed the starter and cleaned the mounting area and the bolts and added one small shim. -has not done it since. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Bondo is right, as usual, make sure its clean and free of corrosion.

 

[Jacalore]

I measured all the grounds and checked voltages on battery terminals and compared to starter connections, no difference. Since the starter works once engaged, I'm suspecting the slave solenoid. Reasonable?

 

[Jacalore]

No Title

The starter solenoid is a large aluminum can on my '85 MC 3.0 140. The replacement, I'm told, is a low profile plastic type. Is this right?
Can't see any numbers on the can, but lookup online gives me a cross to this: (pic attached).
Not sure how this would go onto the existing starter. Anyone go thru this? Thanks.

 

[Jacalore]

No Title

Won't take the photo... ?

 

[Jacalore]

[No message]

 

[Bondo]

I measured all the grounds and checked voltages on battery terminals and compared to starter connections, no difference. Since the starter works once engaged, I'm suspecting the slave solenoid. Reasonable?

Ayuh,..... Jumper across it, 'n you'll know,.... Is there battery voltage, Beyond it when energized,..??

 

[Jacalore]

It'll click the first time ignition key is turned, then start the next time. Just started doing this.

 

[Fishermark]

There is a troubleshooting chart written by the late Don S in the stickies at the top of the page. Clicking can be either solenoid. Doing the tests will tell you for sure.

 

[Jacalore]

Thank you. I'm fairly certain it is the starter solenoid. My question is will the new low profile solenoids work/fit in place of original can type? Photo above. Thanks.

 

[Jacalore]

After looking up engine serial number, looks like I need to replace can type solenoid with like Merc part or Sierra replacement #13037

 

[Jacalore]

First I'll try cleaning, as recommended. Thanks all.