Only a click when the key is turned

[psoyes]

I have a 1991 3 cylinder 90hp mariner engine, I tried to start it for the first time this year when I turned the key the engine turned over as usuall, it turned over a few times, it coughed like it was about to start, and then nothing. Now when I turn the key all I hear is a click, Im guessing it is the starter solonoid I can hear clicking but I really dont know much about electrics.
Can anyone please give me any clues as to where or what I should be looking for or at. Could the started motor need some attention??????????
Thanks guys.

 

[JB]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

There are several things that could cause that, psoyes.

The most common and easiest to fix is hidden corrosion in the cables or connections from the battery to the engine.

Disconnect both cables at both ends. Scrub the connectors shiny and check the cables for weak or swollen places. Reconnect, then do the same to the short cable from the solenoid to the starter motor.

If that has no effect, use jumper cables from the battery to the starter motor and see if she turns over.

Let us know what happens.

 

[gm280]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

Is your battery fully charged now? Sounds like you drained the battery to a capacity that will not put enough current out to turn the engine over now. If the above ideas don't fix your problem, try recharging the battery or even replace it with a new one...

 

[psoyes]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

OK thank you guys for your answers it is very much appreciated. I made sure the battery was 100% I took a multi meter and my dad who knows about electrics down to the boat, I turned over the engine, and all I got was a click, again. I asked my dad to listen where the click was coming from, i turned the key about 10 times with one click every turn of the key and then it fired up, ha ha ha my dad who had his ear close to the engine virtually jumped out of his skin ha ha ha, he is 72 years old.
So my dad says it could be where it has not been fired up for months, and it just could be some moisture around the electrics somewhere?
I live in England and we have had a lot of rain, and the boat is kept 40 yards from the ocean so I guess moisture is going to be a problem?
I will clean all contacts and check all wiring, but could this be a sign of something dying?
I love boats and boating I just wish I knew more about them, ha ha ha perhaps one day but Im having fun learning.
Thanks guys

 

[JB]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

That experience suggests that either a connection is a bit loose or that the current temporarily penetrated some corrosion.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

Your starting solenoid may be bad too. There is a round copper disc inside that rotates just a little each time you start the motor. Over time it burns and does not make good contact until you hit and area that isn't burnt too bad. I have made emergency repairs on them by taking it apart and turning the disc over. It worked fine until I could get a new one for it. That's a trick I learned on old GM cars back in the 50's and 60's.

 

[psoyes]

Re: Only a click when the key is turned

Exellent thanks guys the engine has had lots of work done on it and it is good, but the electrics have given me problems since I bought it. I guess salt water and electrics will always be a bad combination, I will clean all contacts and replace any bad looking wires, and I will bear in mind the copper disc in the starter soleniod and see if that needs replacing.
Once again thank you guys for your answers they really do help.
Thank you.