starter just clicks

[out-n-aboat]

I chave 2 batteries that are fully charged and work fine. I cleaned all the terminals on the batteries. I followed the red wire back from the number one to a long cylinder on the stern side of the 1992 7.4 mercruiser big block. I there was three wires comming of (the starter I think). I took them off and cleaned that as well. Still one loud click when I turn the key. Any suggestions. I took these three pics. I dint know if it will help.

 

[tdappleman]

Been quite a few folks who have had bad slave solenoids lately. Check your primary wire on the starter solenoid and ensure you have 12v, then turn the switch to 'start' and check the power on the switched power. I think that is purple on mine - been a while since I've crawled under there.

So - on the starter you have 2 red wires - one from battery (hot when battery switch is on), one from the slave solenoid (hot when ignition switch is on) and a smaller 'trigger' wire which is hot when the ignition switch is on. Depending on what your voltage is there you can then come back up to the top of the motor and check the slave solenoid.

Slave solenoid pictures- http://www.sterndrive.info/sterndriveparts/electrical_system_solenoid.html

 

[out-n-aboat]

could you tell from the pic with the white sticker if thats the starter

 

[Arizona240DA]

That does not look like the starter. I would much lower on the block.

 

[out-n-aboat]

Where is the slave solenoid located?

 

[dsteele1]

Your first picture is of the Coil (center) and the Distributor (the thing with the red wires coming from it). They are both part of the ignition system. Your second picture is of the rear of the engine and the coupler (engine to drive shaft).

The starter motor on most engines is on the bottom starboard side next to the oil pan. It is usually about 4" long and round. There is a small diameter wire attached to the starter solenoid which you can trace up to the slave solenoid. Here's what my slave solenoid looks like on the engine...




Here's what my starter moter looks like with the starter solenoid attached...



Hope this helps :grin:

 

[millz90]

So if the solenoid is bad will the starter just click when you hit the key?
What else would make the starter just click? I bought a brand new starter it on and it still is just clicking.
I am also getting 11 volts on the dash volt meter does that mean its getting enough voltage?

 

[northern]

Get your strarter rebuilt and new solinoid it probably needs it any way if that is not the problem you have one less thing to worry about for the next 10 years. I got both done on my boat it took 1/2 hour to take off and 1/2 hour to put on each. Cost was 175 per starter and they have a lot more cranking speed.

 

[tobnpr]

So if the solenoid is bad will the starter just click when you hit the key?
What else would make the starter just click? I bought a brand new starter it on and it still is just clicking.
I am also getting 11 volts on the dash volt meter does that mean its getting enough voltage?

The solenoid on the starter is nothing more than an electrical "switch" that closes it's contacts and energizes the starter motor when you turn the ignition key.
If it's burned up or not operating properly you may hear it click, but it's still not closing the circuit to the starter motor or passing enough amperage to turn the flywheel.

Usually the solenoid is the culprit- I'd replace it, or better yet- just pull both and take it to a starter shop to have them tested.

 

[Quint4]

Agree with above and will add.... 11v is mighty low.

 

[JUST PULLIN MY DINGHY]

befor you go any futher turn the engine by hand to make sure it is not seized or ingested water into the cylinders from the manifold wich will bind your stater and just click if the starter is bad spend the extra 20 bucks for a new starter mine was 208 new mercury. hope it's just the starter .