does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

[gardenstatesurfer]

guys,<br /><br />as you may have read on my previous thread my 4.3L v6 (thunderbolt IV ignition) wont crank over. turn key and all i get is a click at the slave solenoid next to the 50 amp circut breaker. <br /><br />does the click mean its bad?<br /><br />thanks,<br /><br />dave

 

[cosander]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

mine clicks when I have a bad connection or a low battery

 

[Chris1956]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

..Surfer, Mine has been doing that for years. I have added new ground wires, cleaned the connectors, replaced the solenoid, all without success. It will start if I jumper the solenoid, or continue to "work" the key. The only thing I did not do is rewire from the key thru the neutral lockout switch to the solenoid primany. I'm too lazy to do all that.

 

[Don S]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

If you can jump across the 2 large terminals of the solenoid and the starter will crank, replace the soleoid.<br />A very simple test with a 12V Test light, is to check the 2 big terminals. One of them is always hot, put the test light on the other one. Have someone turn the ignition to start when it clicks the test light should light, if it doesn't replace the slave soleoid.

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

don can i accomplish the same test with just a voltmeter?

 

[tie_one_on]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

gaerdenstatesurfer, not to jump over Don S, but yes, you can do the same test with a volt meter.

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

ok guys so i bought a test light and tried don's reccomendation....when i turn the key the terminal (the non always hot one )lights the test light. does this definetly mean the slave solenoid is still ok?<br /><br />don when you said "jump across the two large terminals of the solenoid", did you mean the slave solenoid? <br /><br />how do you do that, just take a wrench and touch it the two terminals?<br /><br />getting bummed out here...

 

[Don S]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

when i turn the key the terminal (the non always hot one )lights the test light. does this definetly mean the slave solenoid is still ok?

That means the solenoid is getting power through it.<br />Now with your test light check at terminal B on the starter solenoid. The test light should light when the ign. switch is turned to start.<br />If you have power there, replace or get the starter repaired.<br /><br />You can also jump terminals A and B and the engine should crank over.<br /><br />

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

don, i tried jumping points A and B, and it still just clicks.<br /><br />sounds like the starter then?<br /><br />how difficult is it to replace the starter if i wanted to do it myself? or should i not even bother and just take it in...

 

[cosander]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

When I had a corroded battery cable it did the same thing. If you battery can get the correct amount of current to the starter it wont spin. Corrosion in wires is a common cause of intermitent problems.

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

would a voltmeter to the end of the battery cable rule out cosander's diagnosis? if so how much voltage or amps should i be getting?

 

[cosander]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

no. corossion can cause resistance only seen under a load. When the motor is turning over do the wires get hot?

 

[cosander]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

physically inspect the cable. look for frays or bend it and listen for a bad spot.

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

cosander i cant put a voltmeter on the end of the battery cable and turn the key to see it under load?

 

[cosander]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

you can measure from the battery+ to where it connects at the starter while cranking there should be a very small voltage less than 1 volt across that wire.

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

anybody know where i can find a wiring diagram for this engine? mercrusier v6 4.3L 1990....

 

[vipzach]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

in your manuel

 

[gardenstatesurfer]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

dont have one vipzach. the guy i bought the boat off of lost it.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

It is easiest to just take off the starter and take it and have it tested

 

[vipzach]

Re: does a clicking at the slave solenoid mean its bad?

You need to get a manuel, here is a link with alot of info that may help. It is hard to find the links in it, but once you figure it out, it is very helpful. I think your motor is in number 18.<br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/srvcovr.pdf