starter works but it clicks sometimes

[bigskiohio]

starter works but it clicks sometimes so how do you know what to check as it doesnt do it all the time. what does a STARTER SLAVE SOLENOID do . cars dont have them so why does a boat. or is it a relay which would make sense.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

starter works but it clicks sometimes so how do you know what to check as it doesnt do it all the time. what does a STARTER SLAVE SOLENOID do . cars dont have them so why does a boat. or is it a relay which would make sense.

You are correct, the slave solenoid is a relay. A small current from the ignition switch activates the electromagnet in the slave which closes a set of contacts that provides a larger current to the starter solenoid which closes a very large contact to provide a very large current to the starter motor. Intermittent problems are a pain. best you can do is have someone listen back there when you try to start it. If the slave clicks but the starter doesn't, chances are the slave is defective, if both click chances are it is the starter solenoid. Good luck.

 

[sethjon]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

Before you do anything check the wires and especially the ground.

 

[Timxxl]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

I have the same problem. I hear a "click". I go through the motion of turning the blower on, trying to start a few times, but ultimately it always ends up starting and then no problems.

I'm trying to find a slave solenoid part to try and replace that, but can't find it on iboats. Is this it?
http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfinder/?*******=178276408&gd_grid_id=485&gd_poid=111837&gd_row=82&**********=299532688

Or do I need to buy this entire thing?
http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfinder/?*******=178276408&gd_grid_id=1679&gd_poid=111895&gd_row=87&**********=724185295

Is the small cylinder the "solenoid"? And does it come with the starter itself or sold separately? I always thought it was the solenoid, but when I look at the iboats products, the "solenoid" looks more like the relay to me...

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

two different things ,one is the solenoid/relay the other is starter solenoid. My trim motor also has a relay/ solenoid might just switch them.

 

[Augoose]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

You didn't say what year or size your engine was, but here is a starting system schematic and testing instructions for the starter and slave solenoids for a '89 GM 4.3 that you may find useful. Before replacing anything, grab a meter and test your starter solenoid (mounted on top of your starter most likely), slave solenoid (on the port side of the boat next to the trim pump most likely), and then the starter itself if you are really overzealous but you'll need the manual for that. The instructions for testing the slave solenoid and starter solenoid are exactly the same.

If either the starter solenoid or the starter is bad, just replace both would be my recommendation - you can pick up the set for about $130 or so. If you are down there in the bildge testing the starter solenoid and its bad, you might as well replace the starter while you're down there. Its quite easy and is only about 4 wires and two bolts. The bolt heads are facing down and are installed straight up into the engine - so when you remove them, they come straight down - either a 1/2" or a 9/16th socket if I recall. Takes about 10 minutes. When you pull the starter off, inspect the teeth on the flywheel -if any are knocked off or chipped, you might be looking at a deeper problem.

If it is the slave solenoid, which is the least likely I think, all you will need is the solenoid and it is also easy to replace.

BEFORE REPLACING ANY COMPONENT - DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY!!!!!

Also, of course this is all dependent on your boat and engine!
Good luck!

 

[Timxxl]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

Augoose,

Thanks for the help. See this thread where I've since posted some pics. Maybe you can help me understand what I'm looking and what I should try to replace.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=425378

 

[Don S]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

This will take all the guess work out of finding what the problem is.

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

 

[Augoose]

Re: starter works but it clicks sometimes

This will take all the guess work out of finding what the problem is.

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

Well there you go!