1989 4.3 Mercruiser

[Augoose]

Alright, my electrical nightmare continues. This evening I had to get towed into the dock.....again.

Initially I thought I had a dead battery....again. All I got when attempting to start was a single "click".

I said "ah, hah!" I've got a second battery, so I told the wife "nothing to worry about". I confidently installed the backup battery and tried it too.....nothing but a "click". She continued to wave at nearby boaters while I continued to curse like....well like a sailor which I thought was appropriate.

I tested the voltage on the battery on the posts - about 12.8 or so. I then tested the voltage while turning the ignition. At the battery posts and while getting the single "click", the voltage dropped to about 12.3 or so. However, but this point I had been attempting to start the engine for a bit and so I'm sure the voltage had dropped substantially.

I'm told by the nice gentleman that gave me the tow that both my batteries are fine and the problem is in my starter solenoid. The battery cables are brand new as is the battery.

Thoughts? New solenoid?

Secondly, according to the manual, the '89 4.3's had the solenoid mounted on top of the starter - I'm assuming I need to get a solenoid/starter pair?

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

Have you checked the slave solenoid first.

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

Have you checked the slave solenoid first.

No Sir, I have not even heard of it before.

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

No Sir, I have not even heard of it before.

Looking at the manual, that seems to be on the port side, near the hydraulic pump for the lower unit, correct?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

Most are mounted on the stbd side on the front of the exaust manifold near the main circuit breaker Some are mounted just to the rear if the carb,again with the main breaker.Has 2 thin wires yel/red and red/purple and 2 larger wires with the same color code.
The Merc manual can be downloaded from the Adults Only section.
4D-3 this link
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/96/96HGD4.PDF

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

Most are mounted on the stbd side on the front of the exaust manifold near the main circuit breaker Some are mounted just to the rear if the carb,again with the main breaker.Has 2 thin wires yel/red and red/purple and 2 larger wires with the same color code.
The Merc manual can be downloaded from the Adults Only section.
4D-3 this link
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/96/96HGD4.PDF

Thanks for the link. I've got the manual but it was just taking awhile to look through it - apparently because it was scanned in there is no way to search by word. However, I found some simple testing steps that involve 12v and a ground to two terminals, and then checking continuity on the other side.

So as for troubleshooting, start with the slave solenoid, then move to the starter solenoid and then starter?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

that is correct.

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

that is correct.

Excellent - thanks for the help!

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: 1989 4.3 Mercruiser

Sound slike the slave solenoid is working by the click you hear. You can put a screwdriver across the terminals of the slave solenoid to see if it starts. Have the key turned to the run position of course and in water. If not, the problem is down the line from there. Maybe just a worn out starter. Give it a few taps with a hammer to see if it rattles it to its sweet spot.