Starting problem

[debbie1112]

I have 2 batteries on my boat. When I try to start the engine it almost kicks over but then just makes a clicking sound. I have taken both batteries out & charged them overnight. The charger reads a full charge.This has happened more than once. The lights , the bilge, & the engine lift all work fine off the battery but there's not enough juice to crank the engine over. Is it possible that both batteries go bad at the same time or do I have another problem? Thanks for your help!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Starting problem

check your cables for dirty connections at the battery and the starter. Ground too. Also could be bad cables

 

[debbie1112]

Re: Starting problem

Thats the first thing I did . Every connection has been cleaned. By the way, I have a Merc 5.0 I/O if thats any help solving my problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starting problem

Starter solenoid may be bad. But have the batteries load tested.

 

[debbie1112]

Re: Starting problem

Thank you! I'll let you know how I make out. Hopefully it'll be one of the easier solutions.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Starting problem

Turn on a light your can see like your anchor light and try to start while watching the light. Does the light go out??

Yes both batteries can go bad at the same time. How are your batteries wired?? Thru a battery switch?? If thru a switch in what position do you leave the switch in?? 1?, 2?, Both? off?

Can you turn motor over by Hand with a wrench on the front? Have you tried removing your spark plugs and trying to turn over?

If when you try to chank the motor the anchor light goes out or gets very dim then the battery voltage under load does not have enough current to trun the motor over. This can be a bad battery, A bad cable or connection, or a engine cylinder full of water. If the light stays on and is on the starting battery and the motor does not turn over then likely a bad starter solenoid.

If you leave the battery switch in both then you may have a bad cell in one battery that will discharge both batteries.

You can check your batteries while cranking with a voltmeter and see how much the voltage drops. Should be 10 or so. Having batteries load tested will check the batteries as well.

 

[Ezrider_92356]

Re: Starting problem

could be the brushes in the starter going out or some high resistant conections, i would take the batterys out and have them tested before i replaced them, my money is on the starter or high resistance connections

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting problem

chec the cables, for nicks, and swelling, they corrode from the inside out, if nicked. thus not delivering the correct power.