Bad Starter Slave Solenoid/Relay?

[DSBATCHELDER]

I have a 2006 Four Winns Horizon 180 w/ 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha One Gen II Sterndrive

When I turn the key to the start position, sometimes I get a faint clicking noise from the slave solenoid. After a couple of attempts, the engine will crank. This has been getting worse over time. My battery is brand new, had the alternator checked by a rebuild shop, and replaced the ignition switch. I am thinking the solenoid is going bad.

In addition, while cruising down the lake, the boat just cuts off due to the ignition C/B tripping. I wait a few minutes, reset the breaker, re-start the boat, and all is well until the next time the breaker trips. I always head back for the boat ramp when this starts.

Could this solenoid be causing both the intermittent starter problems and heating up the wiring to the 15A ignition breaker enough to trip it?

 

[stonyloam]

Two separate problems. Sounds like you need to replace your slave. To check, remove and clean the wires to make sure you have good contact. Try it, if that does not work, check for voltage on the large terminal (yellow/red wire) when you hit the start. No voltage, replace the slave. The other problem is high current draw in the ignition circuit, or your CB is defective.