All I get when I turn key is a clicking noise

[2catchfish]

I noticed at the end of the season last year that when I tried to start the boat, once in awhile it would click a couple of times before it would start. I thought it was a weak battery so I put in a new one and all was fine. I started it and ran it for about 10 min 4 times during the winter and it was fine. However yesterday it would not do anything but click when I turned the key. Battery is fully charged I even put a jump pack on and tried that to no avail. Any ideas on what the problem could be? It is a 1998 7.4 mpi B3. Thanks!!!!

 

[jpk33]

Are the batteries free of corrosion? If they are, check the starter wires for corrosion or to see if they are loose. If all checks out, tap on the starter with a hammer while someone cranks the engine (BE CAREFUL of moving parts, as it MAY START!!!). If you have power - I am guessing, that the starter has gone bad. - Jeff

 

[sr330daguy]

More than likely its your primary stater relay,lots of these go bad.Its located near the engine circuit breaker .

 

[tdappleman]

A common problem is the slave solenoid which will typically be located near your main engine circuit breaker at the top. I just replaced both of mine after having the exact same problem. There is another solenoid on the starter as jpk33 says so you may need to check for voltage at all points.

 

[Presentation]

The above suggestion is great……or…….use this, um…..”issue” as the reason you give your wife to get a bigger boat.

“But honey, I don’t want us to be stranded out on the lake. I love you too much do risk that.”

You will get a bigger boat and get…..something else too!

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Had the same thing with mine. After trying almost everything possible, a friend said check the main ground wires on the engine block. They looked clean enough, but I removed them anyway, cleaned them, and reinstalled. No problems since and it's now been a year!

Worth trying...

 

[2catchfish]

Thanks guys I am taking notes and will start reccomended ideas when I get home today. I will post what I find out.

 

[2catchfish]

It was the slave solenoid. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!

 

[Rono007]

It was the slave solenoid. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!

:smt038