Is my solenoid bad?

[Frantic]

Just bought a 1989 VIP Viscount with a 5.0. It has dual batteries, which I assumed were both dead because the boat has sat for five years, so I hooked two sseparate trucks up to it and all I could get when I turned the key was some loud clicking out of the solenoid. Do I just need to replace the batteries or could there be an underlying problem?

 

[JB]

Re: Is my solenoid bad?

Your first problem is that you have posted in the Merc OUTBOARD Forum, rather than the Mercruiser forum. I will move this for you.

Your other problem is almost certainly poor connections in the starter high current circuit. Remove and carefully clean all connections of big battery cables to the engine and the solenoid.

Let us know what you find.

Good luck.

 

[searay3]

Re: Is my solenoid bad?

check out bullet number 2 in the diyers sticky at the top of the forum. Courtesy DonS. Step by step using a test light or meter. There is more to your starting system than batteries and starter. Good info in there.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is my solenoid bad?

You should also post what engine and drive you have. In this forum it doesn't make one bit of difference if you have a VIP or an XYZ boat, they could have the same motor.

Here is the link to the troubleshooting chart seray3 mentioned.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[Juniinc]

Re: Is my solenoid bad?

good fully charged battery is needed first,,,