Starter Issue

[millz90]

Boat: 1995 Sea Ray 175 Series

So i have a brand new starter that i put in and when i crank the engine I get single clicks 90% of the time and then it cranks, then i will hit the key again and I get single clicks again and then it will turn over.

I believe the benidix is hitting the flywheel but im not sure why it isnt engaging all of the time. Ive had the starter bench tested at autozone and everything was good.
I also replace the solenoid (the one by the battery) but i have not replace the solenoid by the engine yet.

I also have put 3 different heights of shims on the start to see if it needed shimmed but still 90% of the time it starts the other 10% of the time it just single clicks?

I have cleaned all connections on the starter and battery and i tested the battery and it is a full 12 volts.


Any suggestions as to what it could be? I will probably take off the other solenoid and either clean it or replace it but im pretty sure that wont work....

Any other ideas?

 

[Sundancer]

Check the ground where it attaches to the engine block. Remove it, clean it and check it. It's neglected and no one ever looks at it, so it causes odd things to happen.

 

[flarepoman]

I agree with Sundancer also it all starts with battery voltage. Make sure you have a good battery.

Rick

 

[Oldsman]

I have cleaned all connections on the starter and battery and i tested the battery and it is a full 12 volts.
Any other ideas?

Even a bad battery can have 12 volts. Amps is what pushes the starter. Have the bettery tested at an auto parts store. They can tell you if it is bad or on its way out.

 

[tdappleman]

You should also take a look at the slave solenoid - typically located on the top of the engine near the main circuit breaker. They do go out and exhibit similar symptoms to what you are describing. I had the same thing and just replaced both of mine and no problems since.

 

[millz90]

You should also take a look at the slave solenoid - typically located on the top of the engine near the main circuit breaker. They do go out and exhibit similar symptoms to what you are describing. I had the same thing and just replaced both of mine and no problems since.

Yea this is the solenoid i am going to take off and check today after work. I replaced the one by the battery but no that one.

Also is the ground block you are referning to the long strip (multiple black wires attached to it) which is screwed to the stern of the boat near the top of the engine?

 

[millz90]

Check the ground where it attaches to the engine block. Remove it, clean it and check it. It's neglected and no one ever looks at it, so it causes odd things to happen.

Can you explain where the ground would be? Im sure its tucked away some where...

 

[tdappleman]

I'm not sure specifically where the ground wires would be on your engine - maybe someone with the 3.0 will provide some insight. They will typically be a fairly heavy gauge wire - 6-8 gauge and will connect some of the engine components together to provide a continuous ground or sometimes will go directly from the battery to the ground. Also - you may be doing this, but when you replace the slave solenoid make sure you turn the battery switch off.

Here's a good page on checking the various components when you have a no start condition: http://www.sterndrives.com/no_crank_condition.html

 

[millz90]

Ok, i will check around for it. I am also going to take off and clean the main ground block on the back of the boat even though it looks to be ok.

I cant believe this start is giving me so many problems, becuase of this i have not been able to take out the boat yet. I want to wait until it is starting everytime becuase i know if i get out on the water turn off the engine and go to start it again.....my luck....it will simply click!