The other day I started the port engine. The engine started just fine. I let the engine run for about 10 min. I turned the engine off the hooked up earmuffs with the antifreeze. When I went back up to start the engine, all I get is a click. When you press the button to the acc. position I do not hear the fuel injection kick in. If I press it to start it, I get a click in the slave silanoid. Any ideas as to what happened? It sounds like a blown fuse somewhere.
Port engine just clicks
- Thread starter Indyjj
- Start date
Wylie_Tunes
Well-Known Member
I would start with a volt meter on the battery. Then check the voltage on the starter's main post and the solenoid wire when the key is in the crank position. From there, work backwards. If you boat is dual engine/dual battery, is it setup to either combine both batteries or switch to the other battery for starting? Try that. If voltage does not seem to the the issue, then try rotating the engine by hand (may require a wrench on the crank nut). Outside of insufficient voltage to the starter or solenoid, it could be the starter, solenoid or seized engine. An engine can seize due to overheating, low oil or hydro-locked as a result of water entering 1 or more cylinders.
- May 14, 2008
- 3,541
- Boat Info
- 1988 390 EC
- Engines
- 454 Mercruiser Gassers
Starter may have a flat spot on it. Rotate starter and try again.
wish2fish
Active Member
curious how to rotate a starter? Do you have to take it off turn and reinstall?
GrandMaster
New Member
- Mar 27, 2012
- 727
- Boat Info
- 1995 Sundancer 290
Generator, AC
- Engines
- Twin Mercruiser 4.3L
Maybe he meant the flywheel has a flat spot (missing gear tooth)?
roadkingh1
Member
If you have a slave solenoid it could be the culpit. About three years ago I had an intermittant issue with my starboard engine doing the same thing. When you push down on the switch the 12 volt passes though to the neutral switch (transmission) if it is closed, the 12 volts goes on to the slave solenoid which is activated, passing though the voltage needed to start the engine. At the slave solenoid, connect your volt meter and have someone press down on the switch. If your 12 volts stays above 12 volts your battery is good next thing is to do is put the meter on the other side of he contact. Again have some push down on the switch if you have your 12 volts and it is clicking, your issue is from the slave solenoid to the starter(Bad starter,starter solenoid, wiring or poor contact.
AKBASSKING
Active Member
- Apr 13, 2008
- 4,649
- Boat Info
- 1988 Yacht Fisher
- Engines
- Twin 375hp Cat 3208 T/A
I would also check you battery connections, starter connections and clean them with water and baking soda. Your battery and starter may be just fine, but dirty terminals will drop the voltage.
- May 14, 2008
- 3,541
- Boat Info
- 1988 390 EC
- Engines
- 454 Mercruiser Gassers
Try to rotate the starter gear with a screw driver. If you have a "flat spot" on the starter, it simply means that the starter has stopped on a bad spot that will not allow it to spin. If you can rotate it slightly and it now starts with the key, you then have a starter problem.
