Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

[petryshyn]

is the solenoid on the starter clicking?

 

[cschauerj]

Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

I'm now starting to truly appreciate the joys of being a boat owner. Funny thing too. I bought the boat from a freind, have been out on it several times before purchasing and know a great deal of history on it. He never had any problems with it to speak of. Just my luck... But even though I'm spending my free time trouble shooting these days I'm still enjoying the hell out if it. So here goes: Occasionally when I go to turn the ignition all I get is a click. After several tries it finally cranks and starts. It only does this when it is cold. The batteries both have a good charge. I would like to rule out the starter as well. It's already been replaced once since '97. Is this simply a bad ground or is it something more complicated? Where to look? Thanks again in advance for any suggestions.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

your best bet is the starter slave solenoid....when they get get old and damp, leaving them sittng for several weeks, they just click the first few times they are used....is not an xpensive part, just change it.....

 

[cschauerj]

Re: Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

Yeah, the starter solenoid is clicking when when I try to start. I'll check the grounds for the hell of it and then look into replacing the solenoid. Looks like fun(not) to replace, it's not exactly in an accessible location. I'll check back if you have any other ideas and/or I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

The starter has a solenoid bolted to it. The solenoid on the starter has two large terminals on it.(one small as well) One large goes to batt. positive, the other large goes to the starter "motor terminal".<br />Take a testlite or voltmeter and connect black lead to the case (housing) of the starter, and the red lead to the motor terminal. If 12v is present between these points while key in crank mode,(and engine not cranking) the starter motor is bad. If there is no voltage, between these points when attemping to crank, the solenoid contacts are bad. This holds true only if you are sure the starter solenoid clicks when you attempt to crank.(not chattering!!!)<br />Good luck...

 

[cschauerj]

Re: Yet another problem starting a mercruiser 454

Thanks alot. I'll give it a try.