mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

[dfb]

My boat only starts after turning the key 3-5 times (pausing about 5 sec between each try). When I turn the key and it doesn't start I can hear a faint click. When it finally does crank, it starts easily (no sluggish cranking to suggest a weak battery) and runs great. I've done some searching on this page and wonder if the problem is related to solenoid and/or solenoid connections. Where are the solenoids and how do I check them? Am I better off getting a professional to trouble shoot the problem? I have tools including a multimeter. Any other suggestions/ideas would be appreciated. Thanks for the input.<br />Dan<br />94 Caravelle 19ft bow rider

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

The solenoid you're looking for is a part of the starter.... Just replace the Whole Starter..... They come as a Unit....

 

[dfb]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

Bondo,<br />thanks for the info.<br />How difficult is it to replace starter? Do I need special tools? I have changed starters and alternators on older cars.<br />Dan

 

[dfb]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

put a new starter on. No problems for last 3 weeks.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

There are actually two starter solenoids on your motor. One that is not on the starter. I'd start with that one seeing as it is only 20$ from mercruiser. <br /><br />I don't know exactly where it's located on your motor, but it's a little black cylidrical unit with four wires running to it. Two larger wires (red, and yellow w/red tracer) running to the top two posts, and two small wires, (yellow w/red tracer, and black) running to the little posts on the side of the solenoid. <br /><br />Check this first.<br /><br />Scott..

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 intermittent start

Before you spend any money, remove the battery terminals from your battery, if these are aftermarket disassemble them and remove all elements of rust or corrosion from the lead/bed the cables lay in, also remove the same from the clamp plate that holds the cable into the bed. This is such a common trouble. Do you own a digital voltmeter? if so. clamp one end onto the large post of the starter selonoid above the starter...and the other end hold directly to top of the battery post. (I often use a sewing needle and tap it into the lead of the post) then clamp to this. Any corrosion or resistance in this wiring will show up as volts across this wire when you engage the starter.....