Intermittent Starting Issue - Clicking sound and Starter Doesn(39)t Engage-gctid393066

Hi everyone who's been following this thread, I solved this problem a while ago but am just getting around to updating the thread.

The problem may have been a combination of things because with each pass the problem improved a bit but ultimately changing out the starter fixed the problem.

Basically I cleaned all the terminals grounds etc. then changed the solenoid and finally the starter.

Cheers and thanks for everyone help!!

Batteries and not new but seem to hold a charge and have plenty of juice during cranking. I ruled this out because I tried starting with the switch selector set to "all" figuring that if the starting battery was weak, the other battery power would compensate.

Ignition switch is an interesting suggestion I never thought about that, is there an easy way to trouble shoot this?

Thanks in advance guy's great feedback

id be looking at the key switch sounds like a faulty switch

how old is the battery?

Is it fully charged?

does it hold a charge?

Sound like battery/battery connections to me. If all connections are clean and snug, I would be looking at the batter itself. Take it in and have it load tested for Cold cranking amperage. If that amperage is low, you will get the clicking sound.

yup solenoid was replaced, not the problem, then I noticed the negative lead fro the battery charger was under the main negative lead on the battery terminal, I swapped it to the top and it started every time over the last 10 starts and now the problem is back.

and yes I checked the main ground to the engine, cleaned it up (even though it was not corroded), put dielectric grease, not the problem.

I had the same problem and found it was the SLAVE solinoid. It is right behind the carb. Has a little plastic top you can remove. You can jumper with a screw drive and can be checked to see if it is faulty with a voltage meter. It is a make or break connection. $ 69.00 part and simple fix.

[Mileskb]

I read through this thread and while it was touched on, did you check the end of the ground cable where it attaches to the engine? THAT is one of the most common culprits. It's often overlooked in the cleaning process.

no this is my next step, but is it advisable to go into the unit and try to clean it up/fix it or at that point i would think it's better to just get it rebuilt?

Have you removed the starter and cleaned up all connections?

Well I think I'm into a new/rebuilt starter after all, after 10 or more starts with no intermittent clicking issues as per my previous update, it's come back to haunt me.

Cycle the key and I get a click, cycle rapidly & repeatedly it eventual starts, how many more times who know, should I risk waiting until haul out in the fall?

[2850Bounty]

:coo-
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PROBLEM RESOLVED

Hi All, I can not count how many times I read that a bad ground is a common cause of this problem. I took this to mean that a bad ground is caused by corroded leads so I cleaned them all and assumed that was the end of that trouble shooting process.

Well please take note that a bad ground is not just a corroded connection, the cause of my starting issue was from a small lead from my battery charger that was installed under the main ground on the battery, this must have prevented the main ground from getting the connection it needed.

Anyway I put the main ground on the battery terminal first then the small lead on top and bingo, problem solved.

Thanks for all those who offered suggestions.

Happy 2012 Boating

Interesting I didn't think of the switch, aren't they sealed and hopefully free from corrosion?

[2850Bounty]

love2speed wrote:
Hey Folks I would also like to move towards changing the battery as a next step, but again, if the switch selector is set to "All" and it's still not starting wouldn't that rule out a bad battery. You would think juice from 2 batteries would be ample?

Don't over-look a bad MBSS.

The contacts may be weak, or may have over-heated once before.

FYI: I've found that the 90* sweep battery selector switches have smaller contacts.

joeydiver wrote:
+1, I also had this issue with a loose ground, tightened it up, worked for a few days, then happened again, had the battery laod tested and it was shot. Replaced the battery, resolved the problem.

Also - could a loose ignition switch cause this? Or would you not get any juice at all? Just wondering.

Joey

Hey Folks I would also like to move towards changing the battery as a next step, but again, if the switch selector is set to "All" and it's still not starting wouldn't that rule out a bad battery. You would think juice from 2 batteries would be ample?