Mercruiser 5.0 starting issue

[frankthomas]

I bought this boat at the end of the season last year. Sea trials were great. Got it home and after a couple weeks the first time I tried to start it nothing. Turn the key, gauges all come to life, hear a click in the motor but no start. After lots of trying it finally did start and then had no problems the rest of the season. Started great all of the time. Now I got the boat out of winter storage, same thing happened. First time same symptoms. But after finally getting it started, it started up several times after that with no problems.

I am thinking a bad spot in the starter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

most likely its a bad connection in one of the battery cables. start by cleaning all connections

 

[achris]

most likely its a bad connection in one of the battery cables. start by cleaning all connections

Could be this, or a bad spot on the internal contacts of the solenoid.

Clean all your cables, both positive and negative, especially where they contact the engine block... As it only happens at the beginning of the season, that's going to make it a bit harder. But as a new solenoid is cheap, and easy to fit, I'd replace it anyway. (It's the same solenoid as used on the trim pump, so you'll have a spare if that's not the problem.)

Chris........

 

[frankthomas]

I should of added that this is a dual battery and this happens with the selector set to both. But thanks. I will check connections and look into the selonoid.

 

[Bondo]

I should of added that this is a dual battery and this happens with the selector set to both. But thanks. I will check connections and look into the selonoid.

Ayuh,..... In that case, Every electrical connection in that System is Suspect for corrosion, from the batteries to the starter lug, 'n block ground,........
'n should be Cleaned to be sure,....