Clicking noise on startup

[techbob]

I have an 85hp 1972 Evinrude outboard. It will not turn over. Battery is charged. All I am getting is a clicking noise at the starter. Voltage at solenoid is 12.44v.

 

[asdasc]

Re: Clicking noise on startup

Can you turn the motor at all by hand? The clicking noise is generally one of two things:

1) Weak battery - check another battery, sometimes they read 12V but can't deliver the current needed.
2) locked motor - no matter how strong the battery, it won't turn over a locked up motor. Try to turn it by hand to rule this out.

Otherwise, i think you are down to replacing the starter, but that is a lower likelyhood (I think).

 

[JB]

Re: Clicking noise on startup

You probably have resistance in the starter high current circuit, Bob. Remove and clean (both ends) all of the large diameter wires from the battery to the engine block and the solenoid. Also do the big wire from the solenoid to the starter motor.

The most common culprit is the battery ground wire where it bolts to the engine block.

Good luck, and let us know what you find.

 

[James R]

Re: Clicking noise on startup

It is quite common for the contacts inside the solenoid to get burnt over time. It could be the solenoid. It clicks but will not pass current to the starter.