Intermittent Start Issue

[Boilers2000]

Was getting my 1992 4.3LX mercruiser ready for summer and start having an intermittent starting issue. When I turn the key I get 1 click and nothing. It will eventually start, but not a lingering issue I want. Throttle is in neutral, I rechecked all connections at battery and starter and the battery is fully charged. Circuit breaker isn't tripped and I maintain 12V on both sides when trying to start. Solenoid by circuit break doesn't get 12V to one side when it won't start, but when. It does start I can see voltage. When I hear the single click, it sounds and feels like it's from the area of the circuit break and solenoid (front of engine) and not the starter. Where else would I check up stream to see where I'm not getting 12 V, the neutral start switch? Is the solenoid going bad?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[dubs283]

Sometimes the slave solenoid will click but not internally bridge the secondary connections. Indication of a failed/failing solenoid

Read through this, it should help you troubleshoot the whole system:

HOW TO: Troubleshooting your engines starting system

So you hit the ignition switch so you can go home and either nothing happens, or you hear a click from the engine, but the starter doesn't crank......... Now what ? If you have a test light, you can find out in only a few minutes what the problem is. I like test lights because they are faster...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you hear the click but no crank, short the 2 large lugs. If cranks replace the slave solenoid

 

[Boilers2000]

Thanks for the reading and recommendations

 

[Bondo]

Was getting my 1992 4.3LX mercruiser ready for summer and start having an intermittent starting issue. When I turn the key I get 1 click and nothing. It will eventually start, but not a lingering issue I want.

Ayuh,..... Did you clean the battery lugs, 'n cable connections to shiny metal,..??
Both ends of both cables,..??

 

[Boilers2000]

Ayuh,..... Did you clean the battery lugs, 'n cable connections to shiny metal,..??
Both ends of both cables,..??

Yes, but will double check again.

 

[Boilers2000]

Is it safe to assume because I am hearing the click, it is not the throttle neutral switch? I suppose I could test at the wiring harness to make sure I see 12 V from there.

 

[Boilers2000]

Sometimes the slave solenoid will click but not internally bridge the secondary connections. Indication of a failed/failing solenoid

Read through this, it should help you troubleshoot the whole system:

HOW TO: Troubleshooting your engines starting system

So you hit the ignition switch so you can go home and either nothing happens, or you hear a click from the engine, but the starter doesn't crank......... Now what ? If you have a test light, you can find out in only a few minutes what the problem is. I like test lights because they are faster...

forums.iboats.com

Helpful article. In the article where post are labeled are those standard designation on the solenoid itself? I assume when jumpering the two larger terminals at the top? Thanks again

 

[cyclops222]

Why I carry a set of 18' long car jumping leads to isolate any erratic starter problems. Handy to jump another boat with a weak battery.

 

[Boilers2000]

Helpful article. In the article where post are labeled are those standard designation on the solenoid itself? I assume when jumpering the two larger terminals at the top? Thanks again

Once on my laptop I could see the pics of diagrams...again very helpful article.

 

[QBhoy]

Outwith the most likely cause being battery/connection/earthing/continuity issues…I’d maybe just quickly make sure she isn’t getting intermittently hydro locked. Hopefully not…but just make sure I’d say.
Maybe being fussy and pedantic around your account of 12v being evident….but if you are literally getting only 12v measured…it’s not enough. You’ll need at least 12.5v as a minimum from a resting battery. Anything less than that and certainly less than early 12’s…isn’t good. Maybe have a meter handy and get a look at what she’s shows whilst you’re cranking her or turning the key. If she drops below 10v whilst attempting a start…then you’ve got issues for sure. Whether it be simply battery detriment…or earthing/connection problems.