94 5.0 clicks but wont turn over

[thephoneman]

So heres the scenario: went to start the boat after the winter and had a few cranks then multiple clicks. Charged the batteries and just one click, took the batteries in and they tested good. Cleaned the cables just a click. Checked main plug connection. Jump slave and it clicks but doesn't turn over. Hearing click at the starter. Any other suggestions??

 

[Adarduk]

The fact that you're hearing the click at the starter even after jumping the slave solenoid means it's most likely an issue with the starter solenoid or the starter itself.

I had a similar issue and I ended up replacing the starter. But before we go that far here is a few things to check.

Take a multimeter and first test the Red/Purple wire lead on the slave solenoid. That should have constant 12.5+ volts. Then test the Yellow/Red lead, that should be zero without the key being turned. Have someone turn the key and then that same Yellow/Red wire lead should have the exact same voltage of the other Red/Purple lead.

If thats the case and the voltages are the same when the key is put into the run position that means the slave solenoid is good.

Next start testing the starter itself. You will notice 3 wires connected to the starter solenoid and one big ground going from the solenoid to the starter body. You want to check the big red battery cable and the small Yellow/Red cable that comes from the previously mentioned slave solenoid. The red should obviously have the same voltage as the battery. The Yellow/Red will receive power when the key is turned. You should have the same voltage you saw at the post on the slave solenoid when someone turns the key.

Now if all this checks out. That means your starter is receiving proper power, and you already cleaned the leads so that's out of the equation.

I was in this same position 2 weeks ago on my 4.3L, everything was working electrically but starter wouldn't turn.

From here I tried just jumping the starter. Using jumper cables directly from the battery i put positive to the big positive post and negative to starter body. Then I used alligator clips to jump the post with the yellow/red wire. (A word of caution tho, I pulled the starter out to do this, be very careful if you're gonna try this with the starter on the engine.) Anyway I got nothing so I knew I had a bad starter and replaced it. It cost me $70 but I had no choice and everything works as it should now.

Hope this helps

 

[thephoneman]

The fact that you're hearing the click at the starter even after jumping the slave solenoid means it's most likely an issue with the starter solenoid or the starter itself.

I had a similar issue and I ended up replacing the starter. But before we go that far here is a few things to check.

Take a multimeter and first test the Red/Purple wire lead on the slave solenoid. That should have constant 12.5+ volts. Then test the Yellow/Red lead, that should be zero without the key being turned. Have someone turn the key and then that same Yellow/Red wire lead should have the exact same voltage of the other Red/Purple lead.

If thats the case and the voltages are the same when the key is put into the run position that means the slave solenoid is good.

Next start testing the starter itself. You will notice 3 wires connected to the starter solenoid and one big ground going from the solenoid to the starter body. You want to check the big red battery cable and the small Yellow/Red cable that comes from the previously mentioned slave solenoid. The red should obviously have the same voltage as the battery. The Yellow/Red will receive power when the key is turned. You should have the same voltage you saw at the post on the slave solenoid when someone turns the key.

Now if all this checks out. That means your starter is receiving proper power, and you already cleaned the leads so that's out of the equation.

I was in this same position 2 weeks ago on my 4.3L, everything was working electrically but starter wouldn't turn.

From here I tried just jumping the starter. Using jumper cables directly from the battery i put positive to the big positive post and negative to starter body. Then I used alligator clips to jump the post with the yellow/red wire. (A word of caution tho, I pulled the starter out to do this, be very careful if you're gonna try this with the starter on the engine.) Anyway I got nothing so I knew I had a bad starter and replaced it. It cost me $70 but I had no choice and everything works as it should now.

Hope this helps

This should get me in the right direction. Now when the time comes to remove the starter there are 2 bolts on the bottom that hold it in (besides the wires). What other things need to be removed to get it off?

 

[Adarduk]

This should get me in the right direction. Now when the time comes to remove the starter there are 2 bolts on the bottom that hold it in (besides the wires). What other things need to be removed to get it off?

Nope. There is just 2 bolts in a staggered pattern at the bottom. Remove them and the starter will drop down. It is tough as he'll to remove the starter. Those bolts are tight. Using a socket wrench you want to turn towards the outdrive or left. (Clockwise looking down from the top)

I doubt they will budge on the first try, it will take some force which is tough to apply in the limited space. I just loosened them a bit with the socket and was able to put an impact down there to take the bolts out the rest of the way. This will greatly depend on how much space you have at the back of your boat.

Once you remove the starter try bench testing it for last time to see if it works. If not, here is the one I bought:

Amazon.com : DB Electrical SDR0253 Starter Replacement for: Mercruiser 4.3L 5.0 5.7 350 Marine 1998-Up 10095 10099 10101 30433 30470 IMI228 111786 112239 113679 4-6275 1469604 410-12437 : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : DB Electrical SDR0253 Starter Replacement for: Mercruiser 4.3L 5.0 5.7 350 Marine 1998-Up 10095 10099 10101 30433 30470 IMI228 111786 112239 113679 4-6275 1469604 410-12437 : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

Just make sure yours looks the same and verify the part number.

 

[Bt Doctur]

sometimes the exaust manifolds needs to be removed for better access

 

[thephoneman]

sometimes the exaust manifolds needs to be removed for better access

The exhaust manifolds are a whole other topic/issue. I'll try to get to this tomorrow. Thanks for all the good advice. I plan on testing the starter on the bench before I go further. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[tank1949]

The exhaust manifolds are a whole other topic/issue. I'll try to get to this tomorrow. Thanks for all the good advice. I plan on testing the starter on the bench before I go further. I'll keep you guys posted.

Have you tried jumping starter directly and with another battery/cable?

 

[oldboat1]

When you have the starter on your workbench, remove the two long bolts and open it up for cleaning. Use carb spray or brake cleaner liberally, and finish with air. Check the brushes and replace if worn. Just the cleaning may be enough to get you back on the water.

 

[thephoneman]

Sorry for the late update. Got the starter off. It took a few grunts but wasn't too bad, getting down there was the tough part. Did the jumper cable trick and no luck. Ordered a new one and put it on yesterday. Fired right up. The old one was really nasty on the inside, lots of corrosion. Thanks for all the help!