starter question

[wisemind2]

I have a bayliner w/ a 3.0 Mercruiser in it. Battery is at full charge when i attempt to crank i just get a click noise. I took a jumper wire put it on the postive wire and yellow ignition wire on the starter solenoid, i belive its called, which is on the top of the starter. Then i cranked the boat and it started. Does this mean i need to replace the starter? It is a GM style starter im not sure if i can buy just the starter or the solenoid by itself? Or am i even right on diagnosing the issue?

 

[mark1905]

Re: starter question

Sounds like your solenoid went out. Trace the wires up to this thing:

What happens when you put a screwdriver across both large terminals? Does the engine roll over? ..but not when you turn the key?

If so, you have a bad solenoid. Go grab one at your local Merc dealer for around $20. It's an easy swap.

 

[wisemind2]

Re: starter question

ok so when i got home i jumped the terminals like you suggested... it cranked. I hit the key and it started... i hit the key again and it did not start, just clicks. tried it several times w/ the key and sometimes it would start sometimes it wouldnt. but everytime i jumped that little solenoid it would crank. So that means the solenoid is bad correct??

 

[Don S]

Re: starter question

Here is how you quickly and easily troubleshoot the starting system.

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

Jumping the solenoid and the engine cranking does not tell you the slave solenoid is bad. It could still be the ignition switch, neutral safety switch or loose or corroded connections going to the slave solenoid.

 

[mark1905]

Re: starter question

ok so when i got home i jumped the terminals like you suggested... it cranked. I hit the key and it started... i hit the key again and it did not start, just clicks. tried it several times w/ the key and sometimes it would start sometimes it wouldnt. but everytime i jumped that little solenoid it would crank. So that means the solenoid is bad correct??

Most likely, yes. Swap it out and see what happens. With 95% certainty, I'm betting that you're good to go.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter question

With 95% certainty, I'm betting that you're good to go.

Make those odd up yourself? Fun to spend other people money isn't it. Testing with a meter or testlight and a little time is free and then you are 100% sure. That slave solenoid costs money. Especially if he still has the problem.
Could be loose wing nuts on the battery cable.

 

[mark1905]

Re: starter question

You're absolutely right. That is indeed the "correct" way to diagnose a starting issue and it's important to learn what goes where and why so that one is able to more easily diagnose their own issues in the future. I was coming from personal experience of never once having a neutral safety switch go out on any car or boat that I've ever owned in my 21 years of owning boat. If the cables/connections/battery is good, dollars to donuts it's always either the starter or the slave.

I also forget how many people neglect their electrical systems and battery connections.. it's crazy.

OP.. make extra sure your battery connections are good, tight and clean.