Lazy Starter or Engine problem?

[ryanmshoey]

Okay, so I'm stumped on this one and am looking for any ideas. Basically every time I take our boat out it takes several tries to get the engine to turn over. The starter will make a light click sound as it engages, but the engine will not turn over. So far, after trying for a couple minutes, it will eventually turn over and start right up. From then on, the engine starts just fine for the rest of the day, even after floating for a few hours.

Here is what I've done so far:

New starter two years ago
Switched to high CCA dedicated battery for the starter (automotive, not hybrid or marine) this year
Checked all cable connections

Any ideas?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Lazy Starter or Engine problem?

When I had the same problem, it WAS the cables, even tho the connection was squeaky clean, it had started to corrode between the crimped on connector and the cable itself.. Not visable. Cables looked like new. But a connecter pulled of in my hand, all green underneath

I bought myself a 10' piece of welding cable and a couple pkgs of connectors and make my own cables for all my toys.. Saves a quite a few dollars over buying a bunch of premade ones. You might wanna try cutting the connectors off along with a few inches of wire, put on a few new connecters from an auto parts store or wherever ... Only cost ya a couple of $.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lazy Starter or Engine problem?

Checked all cable connections

Ayuh,... They need to be takin' apart, sanded, cleaned, reinstalled, 'n greased,...
Not just looked at....

also, don't forget all the Grounds,... Both ends...

 

[ryanmshoey]

Re: Lazy Starter or Engine problem?

What engine? What year? Are you dealing with a starter relay?

3.0L
2004
Not sure

 

[ryanmshoey]

Re: Lazy Starter or Engine problem?

Ayuh,... They need to be takin' apart, sanded, cleaned, reinstalled, 'n greased,...
Not just looked at....

also, don't forget all the Grounds,... Both ends...

I will definitely do that for all of the connections. I've never really had battery cable issues before so I thought as long as everything was tight and not corroding all over, they were okay.