Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

[dmillerss]

I took the 2003 Glastron GS229 we just bought, with its Mercruiser 5.0 and Alpha One outdrive, out for our first ride. When I tried to raise the outdrive for a shallow-water exit, it just clicked, even though I had been able to tilt up/down while trailered in my driveway. When I pulled into a slip to check the outdrive, the engine stalled and wouldn't start--just clicked. A new battery didn't help. I suspect I'll have to replace the solenoid for the outdrive, and perhaps the starter has failed, but my question is are these problems related? Did one problem cause the other?

thx in advance for any advice, Dave M

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

You need to check all your pos and neg connections. After a winter sleep they corrode. My guess is you have a grounding problem especially if you have a new battery. Go to each solenoid and check the voltage across the pos feed and the ground. If you dont have the 12-13 v there is your issue. Gotta volt meter? If the voltage is there then start changing the solenoids.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

Two unrelated electrical failures, so I doubt that it is the solenoid. Both the starter and hydraulic trim pump have a substantial current draw. Check your battery to make sure it is fully charged, then check all of your battery connections, both positive and ground. Remove and clean all of the other connections.

 

[ONJames]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

I had a similar clicking problem with my 5.7 Mercruiser so I cleaned the connections at the battery. When that did not help I checked the cable to the starter and removed it and cleaned it. No problems since.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

My boat shares a common ground bolt for the trim solenoids and starter. A bad connection at that point could do it.

 

[dmillerss]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

That's great information; thank you.

My boat shares a common ground bolt for the trim solenoids and starter. A bad connection at that point could do it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive won't tilt up and starter just clicks--are these problems related?

Sounds to me like your basic loose or corroded terminals since it's happening on engine and trim. Check all battery cables and their connections and don't forget every cable has two ends, so check both.

Also, if you have wing nuts, get rid of them and put on some real nylock nuts and use a wrench to tighten them down.