I have an '83 AQ125a that has been having some starter issues this year. When I turn the key I just hear the "click" of the solenoid but the motor doesn't turn over. If I keep trying it will eventually turn over, and then it starts and runs fine.
Here is a typical scenario:
If the boat has been sitting for a while it will take 20 or turns of the key to get the motor to turn over. Then, once it turns over once it will take anywhere from 1-5 turns to get it to turn over again.
It seems like the issue has been getting worse over time. I remember it not turning over once last year and I wrote it off as a low battery. After I got it back from winter storage this year it took probably 10 tries to get it to turn over the first time, but once it did it started every key turn. Putting it on the water for the first time, it took maybe 15 turns to get it to turn over, but once it did It would start all day on the water no problem.
Now it's taking 20 tries and if it sits for even an hour I have to try 20 times to get it to start again.
I have done some digging here and elsewhere and I have tried the following:
1. Had the battery tested and it tested 499CCA for a 500CCA battery
2. Checked the voltage at the key, same as the battery voltage
3. Replaced the battery ground wire
4. cleaned sanded the block where the ground wire connects
5. cleaned the battery posts
6. installed new terminals on the positive cable
7. removed all accessories from the battery so only the two main cables are connected
8. moved the ground the from the block to starter bracket
9. tried shorting the solenoid with a screw-driver
Anything else I should try before getting a new starter?
Thanks
Here is a typical scenario:
If the boat has been sitting for a while it will take 20 or turns of the key to get the motor to turn over. Then, once it turns over once it will take anywhere from 1-5 turns to get it to turn over again.
It seems like the issue has been getting worse over time. I remember it not turning over once last year and I wrote it off as a low battery. After I got it back from winter storage this year it took probably 10 tries to get it to turn over the first time, but once it did it started every key turn. Putting it on the water for the first time, it took maybe 15 turns to get it to turn over, but once it did It would start all day on the water no problem.
Now it's taking 20 tries and if it sits for even an hour I have to try 20 times to get it to start again.
I have done some digging here and elsewhere and I have tried the following:
1. Had the battery tested and it tested 499CCA for a 500CCA battery
2. Checked the voltage at the key, same as the battery voltage
3. Replaced the battery ground wire
4. cleaned sanded the block where the ground wire connects
5. cleaned the battery posts
6. installed new terminals on the positive cable
7. removed all accessories from the battery so only the two main cables are connected
8. moved the ground the from the block to starter bracket
9. tried shorting the solenoid with a screw-driver
Anything else I should try before getting a new starter?
Thanks