Question on starter problem

[keithc81]

Volvo AQ170
Boat is new to me and have never heard it run, I only know that the kid who I bought it from had it running last year before the main drive shaft blew.

I am having an issue with the starter. When I turn the key I here a single click. I had a charger on the battery overnight so it should be good to go. When i jumped the solenoid with the ignition key on the starter just spun freely. I can't remember how these things are supposed to work. Does it sound like a bad solenoid or a problem with the gear not kicking out in the starter?
Thanks

 

[wifisher]

Re: Question on starter problem

Remove and clean the cables. Replace and try again. If problem persists, replace solenoid.

 

[Don S]

Re: Question on starter problem

When i jumped the solenoid with the ignition key on the starter just spun freely. I can't remember how these things are supposed to work. Does it sound like a bad solenoid or a problem with the gear not kicking out in the starter?

That depends on which terminals you jumped.
Have a look at this HOW To on troublshooting the starting system.

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

 

[keithc81]

Re: Question on starter problem

Ok got it going! Turns out the solenoid was bad. Had my wife hold the key while I tapped on the solenoid. First couple tries it still wasn't engaging the flywheel and on the third try it turned the motor over. Funny thing is it didn't want to start right away and when the key was turned off the starter kept going. I was scrambling around to grab a wrench to pull the battery cable and as soon as I got to it it quit. Being that I was determined to make sure this thing ran before I went through the trouble of pulling the motor to replace the bell housing I kept at it. Now it will turn over after a few turns of the key so the solenoid still needs replacing. Good news is that the motor popped off after a few tries and sounds great!