starter problem

[val123]

I was told by a friend that you can help people diagnose unusual<br />problems with boats and engines. I have a 1992 Maxum cruiser with a 5.7<br />liter engine with a Merc Alfa 1 stern drive. I have had problems the past<br />two seasons with the starter working intermittently. The starter would<br />generally crank on cold starts., When warmed up on occasion it would not<br />start. The solenoid would click but the starter would not engage. After<br />it cooled down the starter would generally crank again. Its been a hit<br />and miss with getting the boat started and has resulted in me being<br />towed home on several occasions. My mechanic has not been able to find<br />any problem. He has put in a new starter, starter solenoid and says the<br />wires all look like they have good connections. I've heard that years<br />ago Ford motor company has a similar problem with their escort vehicles.<br />Can you think of any possible thing that would cause this intermittent<br />problem. I would appreciate any of your thoughts on the problem.<br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: starter problem

Hi, Val.<br /><br />"Looking good" is not good enough for your high current starter circuit. Not only can a high-resistance connection look fine, a corroded cable can also look good. Remove, clean and reinstall all connections.<br /><br />Often overlooked is the possibility of poor electrical contact between the starter and the engine block. Clean these surfaces as well.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[magster65]

Re: starter problem

Try a heat shield between the starter/solenoid and the block.

 

[horndog]

Re: starter problem

sounds like the solenoid is sticking, replace it if you can, they may try to sell you a whole starter/solenoid assembly

 

[bernieb]

Re: starter problem

Val,on my 350 chev engine (an older engine than yours)I had starter problems and it turned out to be a slave solenoid that was mounted about a foot above the starter on the block.....just a chance.

 

[magster65]

Re: starter problem

After reading your post again I think if it were a heat problem it would be ok after a 1/2 hour (+/-). Get a remote starter switch that clips onto your solenoid and try it with that when it's just goes 'click'. I was thinking it may be a bad ignition switch or something that way.