Starting problem

[R055]

Hey guys, last year while winterizing I was unscrewing the brass drain plug carelessly and touched the starter for a fraction of a second, it made a decent sized spark and wouldn't start after that. Just hear a single click now when trying to start. I though it was a dead battery but now have a new group 31 battery and still just a single click. Tried jumping the solenoid(the one by the plugs and rotor) but just sparks. Is the starter dead?

 

[R055]

Edit: this is a 2003 carbed mercruiser 4.3

 

[Grub54891]

Check/clean the connections at the starter itself. You could have compromised the connections there. If still no go, remove it and have it tested at a local parts store. Be sure to replace it if need be with a marine rated starter.

 

[alldodge]

Look for the 90 amp fuse on the starter post

 

[Grub54891]

^^ I was thinking the same thing on my way to work.....

 

[R055]

Alright hopefully that's it, I'll check it out when its not raining and let you guys know!

 

[R055]

Also forgot to mention by my voltmeter fully drops off when trying to start it.

 

[Bondo]

Also forgot to mention by my voltmeter fully drops off when trying to start it.

Ayuh,.... Sounds like Corroded connections,......

Start at the battery, then the other ends of those cables,.....

Gotta be Shiny Clean metal,....

 

[alldodge]

Ayuh,.... Sounds like Corroded connections,......

Agree, after reading voltmeter drops off.

Thought the click was only from the key

 

[R055]

The click is coming from the engine area guessing starter though can't narrow it down because didn't have anyone to be at the helm for me to listen by engine.ill give the cables a good cleaning today and try to find that 90 amp fuse.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Probably 1 or both solenoids doin' the clickin',.....

The fuse is on the starter end of the battery cable yer gonna be Cleanin',.....

'n don't forget the block end of the battery's (-) ground cable too,....

 

[R055]

Update time:
The boat started cranking and I ran it for about 3 seconds(didn't want to connect it to water and dewinterize). The problem was corrosion/lose nut connecting positive wire to solinoid, after I titghened the 2 nuts on the solinoid on starter, starter started flickering when trying to crank, tried again after about 15 seconds and this time auctally cranked and started the engine. Thank you everyone!

 

[Grub54891]

Update time:
The boat started cranking and I ran it for about 3 seconds(didn't want to connect it to water and dewinterize). The problem was corrosion/lose nut connecting positive wire to solinoid, after I titghened the 2 nuts on the solinoid on starter, starter started flickering when trying to crank, tried again after about 15 seconds and this time auctally cranked and started the engine. Thank you everyone!

Just tightening the nut is not the best. You need to remove them and clean the connections to shiny clean metal. As of now you have corrosion and carbon buildup from the arcing.

 

[R055]

Yup im going to buy some of that anti corrosion paste and clean my battery connections and any connections I can reach on the engine.

 

[porscheguy]

Remember to pull all of your block and manifold drain plugs if it’s still freezing in your area at night.

 

[R055]

I leave them out the whole winter and only started the boar yesterday for about 3 seconds without muffs so they're still out. I think I'll put them in soon, lows in my area are now low-high 40's at night!