888, one click when trying to start

Markh762

Cadet
Joined
Sep 27, 2005
Messages
6
Hi again, figured might as well be on a roll. <br /><br />Last night I replaced the ignition switch and slave solenoid in my 76 starcraft with 888 sterndrive to try and solve a starter problem. Turn key on, lights and guages flip on, turn to start and I get one click from the back of the boat, instrument lights go off but guages stay alive, no starter action. After the initial click I get no more clicks, action or anything until I disconnect the battery cables and then replace them. I only see one 40 amp break on top of the engine and it has 12v on either side before and after the click. I did just find Don S troubleshooting guide and will double check tonight but I've gone through most of the steps from my clymers manual already. <br /><br />Thanks, Mark
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

You didn't mention the other end of the battery cables?
 

Markh762

Cadet
Joined
Sep 27, 2005
Messages
6
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

sorry, don't know exactly what you mean. Once I get the click I have to take the positive battery cable off the battery and then put it back on to reproduce the clicking sound. The click sounds circuit breaker like but I'm not seeing it. <br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Mark
 

searay3

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 7, 2005
Messages
655
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

Check the battery cables at both ends. Positive is on the starter solenoid, negative will attach to the block somewhere. Take them off and emery cloth the connector and contact surfaces to eliminate issues carrying hi-amps. (you could get 12v, but not carry current).
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

What they said....And what is the condition of the fat red/black wires themselves? Do they get hwarm/hot? I would check/clean all connections in the starter system, and see what that does first.....JK
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,132
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

Ayuh,............<br /><br />What They Said,...........<br /><br />It sounds like you Might be loosing the Ground.....
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

Check BOTH ends of your battery cables. Remove and clean BOTH ends of each.<br /><br />You have a connection problem.
 

trebor0301

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2004
Messages
166
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

Same thing happened to me.It was the negetive(black wire)cable.All the oily gunk got on the connection and I lost my ground.Took it apart lightly sanded until fresh bare metal and good as new.
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: 888, one click when trying to start

Yep....check the ground (black/negitive) on BOTH ends
 
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