No Juice - - Battery?

[rheine]

88 GM 3.0 Mercruiser, 4 banger, Merc Carb, Breakerless Ign Upgrade

OK, Last time started was 10 days ago. No problem. Today turn the key and nothing, well almost nothing. I suspected low battery and/or connection issues. I checked fluid levels cleaned and charged the battery, put in needed new battery cables - both, and cleaned all other connections that I could find and replaced the other solenoid that is not part of the starter. I get all the signs of low battery, barely a couple of clicks from the solenioid more of a mild buzz, same on tilt solenoid. I checked the battery and get 12.45 V when off, 8.5 volts with ignition on. Huh? Yes power shows up at the starter solenoid. This isn't rocket science, what am I missing?

 

[ne7800]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

sounds like it's starter time. try giving it a couple wacks with a hammer (not to hard though you don't want to break it)

 

[chiefalen]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

You cleaned the ground real good, the bolt that the neg cable connects to?

You cleaned the starter connections?

The main harness plug you take it apart and clean the connections.

Try unplugging it and plug it back together.

I'm not saying it's not the starter, you had the battery load tested?

Any auto zone.

Try taking out the spark plugs and cranking it.

Heres the post from Don S master mechanic.

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

 

[mthieme]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

I take it you don't have a battery charger or hydrometer?
Pop it out, have it tested and charged.
Voltage readings are low...I suspect it could be time for a new battery.

 

[rheine]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

Yes, battery said full charge and all connections scrubbed and clean so I went to Don's list and started at the top. Noticed the battery punch tag was 4 years older than I've owned the boat. Got a new marine battery and bang. Stated up pretty as new. Who'd thunk a battery works great one week and conks out the next. Thanks

 

[chiefalen]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

I posted take the battery to auto zone.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

Who'd thunk a battery works great one week and conks out the next.

I would. I've now had 4 car batteries do it to me over the past 12 years....

 

[98LSWON]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

Noticed you got 8.5V with a small load on the battery. It shouldn't drop that much. I'd suspect a bad battery.

 

[Don S]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

Who'd thunk a battery works great one week and conks out the next.

I see it all the time. Usually it's "It was fine YESTERDAY"
Be thankful you found it in the driveway, and not out on the lake after anchoring for a few hours and listening to the stereo.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

yet another thread that confirms I want dual batteries w/selector switch!

 

[JustJason]

Re: No Juice - - Battery?

How about dual batteries with an isolator instead!!!!!