Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

[vonway]

Was on the lake drifting, and not where you want to be.. ( in the shipping channel) when i tried to start the boat and just a click.. no crank. I figured it was the starter or a fuse... but in panic mode, i grabbed my cell, and called my mechanic.. no answer. I beat the side of the starter while the wife cranked and it went... fired up and took off. Drove back in and parked. Tried to start again and it started? WHY did this happen? Is the starter goin? it cranks hard and fine all the time. Just suddenly out on the lake, it wouldnt do anything. Should i replace the starter? and with a starter, does it have to be Marine or could it be automotive? 88 Gm 305 OMC.. fourwinns. Seems pretty easy to change? NO? thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012808 <br />things you can check<br /><br /><br />stuff wears out your luckey it gave you a chance to get home and fix it dont wait til it doesent <br /><br />you need to get your MARINE starter rebuilt or get a new MARINE one<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

It Could be as Simple as a partially Corroded Wiring Connection,..........<br /><br />I'd start by removing All of the wires,+ Clean them,+ reinstall,+ Retest........<br />Don't Forget the Ground path...... It Needs a Complete Circuit......<br /><br />BTW,.... Marine Starters are NOT the same as Automotive..........Spend the Extra Ca$h......

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

Thanks tommy and bondo.. for the quick reply.<br />I thought i should use only MARINE... parts but just curious with the starter? oh well, guess im off to buy a new starter, then i'll have the old rebuilt as a backup. Just sucks that its sunday and i cant go out.. thought about it.. but hate to get trapped on the water and get towed in! What are the chances of not starting again on the water??? it starts up fine right now at the marina. Another wasted weekend, i havent been out in a few weeks... and now this. I HAte boats.. theyre suppposed to be for fun and relaxing, but its really just MORE stress! Thanks agian guys for the quick responses

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

isnt this just a few bolts and wires , to replace? not really lookin to have my mechanic friend charge me $60 to do what i can do. I do have SOME wrenching experience. thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

yknot, changing the starter is not hard, just a bit awkward. On my 4.3LX (V6 version of your small block), there are two vertical bolts in the starter, with extended heads. Use a thin wall 9/16" socket. Also, the front of the starter has a brace. When installing the new starter, install the brace loosly, as it will hold most of the weight of the starter. Use anti-seize or marine grease on the bolt threads.<br /><br />On my boat, I remove the fuel filler hose from the tank, to give me the room I need to work. Best to pull the battery ground wire also. That way if there any sparks, you won't blow up.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

Slight change to the prev. post. Remove negative battery cable so there won't be any sparks to cause you to blow up!

 

[jerryb1]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

I don't think it's your starter! It's most likely your battery or connections. If you don't get enough voltage at the starter it will just click. Remember ohms law! E=I*R. So at 50 Amps requirement for the starter, even 0.1 ohms will give you a drop of 5 volts. <br />I'd check the connections, both 12V and ground before spending time and money on changing a starter.<br />JerryB1

 

[tommays]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

. I beat the side of the starter while the wife cranked and it went.

seems like it might need some brush work but thats just my thought<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

do you think when i hit the starter there may have been a loose connection> and thats why it started?? i think its the brushes or bendix myself from what i hear. thnaks for the input

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

any idea on the cost of this starter>>>?

 

[tommays]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

it should be well under 150 <br /><br />but i would follow the directions in the link and run the tests it recomends wacking things rarely fixes bad connections<br /> <br />your not going to be wasteing money haveing a starter rebuilding shop go through a 1988 starter once you beat on it its time for a checkup<br /><br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012808 <br /><br />tommays

 

[novicetech]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

My money is on the brushes, they do get corroded and dusty, when you banged on the starter you loosened dirt, dust between the brushes and armature allowing the electrical field to do its thing and turn thr motor.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

ynots asked if he could use an automotive starter, and if not, why not. The answer is no, but unlesss I missed it no one gave the reason.<br /><br />Marine starters are sealed, automotive are not. If you get any gas fumes to build up in the engine compartment the last thing you want is a starter where the sparks from the brushes are exposed to the fumes.<br /><br />In other words, automotive starters (or alternators) go BOOM.<br /><br />I'm with the people who suggested you check all your cables and connections first. With luck you will find a smoking gun, like a loose cable or corrosion. It's cheap and easy enough to do.<br /><br />If you do not find your problem, you might want to think about getting the starter rebuilt or replaced. Bad brushes will give the same problem.

 

[jerryb1]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

To check the conections, put a clip lead at the starter. Check the voltage to battery ground with a VOM while cranking. If it's below 10-11 Volts, you have a weak connection.

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

what ... on the battery pos. side of the starter/?

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

ok.. went to the boat today, with no tools. Just started to see if it would start and it did. let it run for a while, and then turned off, restarted about 8 times... checked tightness of batt cables , and wires. Noticed one of the batteries had come out of its holder/strap and was sliding around.??? so i fixed that and then tried starting and it just made a clunk. and wouldnt turn over, then i tried again and this time it turned over real weak, but stopped suddenly. No start now..? WHAT happened.. is the starter on its way out.. or loose ground somewhere. PS>> the ground cable on the battery was quite warm>????

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

OH yeah, starter looks like its gonna be a bich to get out.

 

[vonway]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

Whats goin on... kinda confused

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Engine wont crank... just click, so I .....

You have been given good advise as to how to perform the neccesary tests. Why are you confused?<br /><br />Do the tests, determine the fault - then replace/tighten/clean whatever needs replacing/tightening/cleaning.<br /><br />Guessing will only cost more $$$$$$.