wont start!

[PieceOfShip]

ok so i guess my last post was erased before i could see any replies, so here goes again. I have an 87 bayliner, hard starting. Replaced the starting solenoid after i tightened it too hard and broke it. next replaced the badly rusted starter. THe battery cables were getting real hot when i was trying to start it so i figured the thing had a short. Anyway, now the solenoid just clicks when i try to crank it. could it have been damaged by the shorted starter? hate to buy another one... thanks

 

[snapperbait]

Re: wont start!

Hi PieceOfShip...<br /><br />I would have the battery fully charged and load tested at your local auto parts store... Most have a special meter to check the output of the battery...<br /><br />If all is well with the battery then I would replace both Battery cables, and the cable from the solenoid to the starter.... If their getting hot with a good battery then most likely there is something causing resistance in the cable or a bad or corroded connection...

 

[PieceOfShip]

Re: wont start!

forgot to mention i had a battery charger/starter hooked up along with the battery when i was trying to crank. also we tried to jump it with my buddys truck. neither worked, still same clicking in the solenoid.

 

[gallma]

Re: wont start!

I'm definitely not an expert in the mechanics of boats. However, this sounds like a problem I had earlier this summer with my boat. I couldn't figure out what was wrong for the longest time, but then someone suggested something as simple as spark plugs. Might be worth a shot. That's what did the trick for me.

 

[flashback]

Re: wont start!

i would replace the starter at this point.

 

[PieceOfShip]

Re: wont start!

i replaced the plugs when this first started happening, and then when i realized the cables were hot, i replaced the starter. and now i only get the clicking. (the starting solenoid is a slave on this engine) i went ahead and bought another solenoid for 15 bucks, and when it gets here ill give it a try.

 

[PieceOfShip]

Re: wont start!

ok, well i got the new solenoid, put it in and bam, it started. great right? no, it kept starting, even after the key was shut off. i had to pull the battery to get it to stop. So its the ignition switch you say? nope, i pulled both of the wires from the ignition switch off of the solenoid, hooked up the battery and bam it starts cranking again. Obvioulsy the solenoid is stuck. WHY? its brand new? I go ahead and put the old one back in, just for fun. yes of course, it starts up. Im lost. I have no idea now wether the boat will start or not on any given day regardless of what i do. could i just have really bad solenoids, two in a row?

 

[Walt T]

Re: wont start!

There is another relay on the back wall of the boat somewhere. That one is bad.

 

[Bear]

Re: wont start!

Solenoid:<br /> http://marinemechanic.com/site/page147.html <br /><br />Dual battery installation (bottom of that page)<br /> http://marinemechanic.com/site/page21.html <br /><br />I hope it helps.

 

[PieceOfShip]

Re: wont start!

right on, their are actually 2 other solenoids, i dont know what they do, ill just replace them both. also i cant take apart the solenoid to check out the inside b/c its sealed, but i could cut up the old one for fun. thanks for the help ill let you know what happens.