Rebuild or Replace Solenoids (trim and starter slave)

[Luckyfishing]

Hello,

Thank-you first of all for all of the information I have learned from reading this forum, it has been a huge help. I have a 1986 Mercruiser 3.0 with a Alpha One sterndrive that I am trying to get working again. I'm getting clicks and no other response when trying to start the engine and when trying to use the trim. Based on what I've read on here I've used an electric tester and also be ear and think the solenoids are the problem. None of them have ever been replaced and the engine sat a few years without running so I think they are probably corroded.

My question is, can these be taken apart and cleaned, especially the contacts or do I just need to purchase replacements? I have more sweat equity available than money so I am looking to save money where it makes sense to get things working again, but replacing parts when servicing them is not possible or not worth the time involved so any advice would help.

If I do need to purchase replacements, can anyone recommend a particular brand or best place to buy?

Thank-you again for your help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

start with cleaning your battery cable connections. by clean, I mean shiny enough your mother would eat off it.

95% of the time that is the problem.

solenoids are sealed, so doubt the contacts are corroded.

if a cable is green and crunchy, replace it.

as far as a slave solenoid, just get a replacement if its bad.

 

[Luckyfishing]

Thank-you, I will give that a try. Last time I was working on them, I know the battery cable connectors were very clean and I am pretty sure the battery had a good charge as eventually after trying several several time, the starter would finally engage and start the engine. The trim solenoids would also click several times and eventually engage. I have several things taken apart right now after rebuilding the stringers and replacing the floor so I can't start the engine yet.

 

[achris]

Very common for the solenoid internal contacts to burn. Not designed to be opened and repaired, replace them...

Chris...

 

[Bondo]

I know the battery cable connectors were very clean

Ayuh,...... Don't forget the ground cable,....... Both ends,......