solenoid bad? starter...

[payton]

turn key to start motor and turns over then quits and the solenoid makes a sound if i keep the key on start...why does the solenoid cause the starter to continuing turning but not engage the fly wheel?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: solenoid bad? starter...

Be sure your battery is fully charged. All wires connections clean and tight. Clean and lube the shaft on the starter that the bendix slides up and down on. If all that is good, try running 12V straight to the starter using heavy wire (like jumper cables). If the starter acts normally then, replace the solenoid. Let us know the results.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: solenoid bad? starter...

How old is your battery? They last anywhere from 3 to 5 years if they're well cared for. Neglected and they last closer to 2. Unless a boat is used frequently, boat batteries need a bit of additional help keeping a charge. Especially if they're more than 2 years old.