Solenoid is just cliking

[J. Elstner]

I have a 1988 3.0 L OMC Cobra engine.<br /><br />The engine starts sporadically. Often when I turn the ignition, I get just one click from the starter solenoid and no crank from the starter.<br /><br /><br />Please help me!<br /><br />Elly

 

[rwise]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Elly<br />Welocome to the board!<br />Have you tried to jump the 2 heavy post together (jumper cable or simular) to bypass the solinoid? It sound as though the solinoid is bad, they do burn out with use.<br />Richard

 

[ezeke]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Hi Elly,<br /><br />You have to start by cleaning and inspecting all of the terminals and wires from the battery through the starter. Especially important is the gounding to the engine block.

 

[JB]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Moving to I/Os

 

[hoot]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

could be the starter, might be the solenoid not making good contact with the start post. on gm starter solenoids, you can pull the front end and look at the contact washer and post pads. post can be rotated 180 degrees and washer can be cleaned up. you can also run a wire from the battery + post to the starter terminal and see if the starter turns. need to seal front cover gap of solenoid when re-installing to prevent the possibility of spark and fuel vapor contact.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Elly...hit the starter lightly, turn the key and check if it starts. Intermittent starting like you describe generally means something is worn in the starter, like the brushes, armature, etc. If it starts after hitting it with a rubber mallet (or other instrument) you've isolated the problem. Time for a new starter or rebuild.

 

[AlekM2]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

From my limited knowledge I had similar experience. The bendex on the starter was not coming out, which ment the starter had to be rebuilt. I would suggest taking it out of the motor and conecting it to a batery to see what happenes. You can also unscrew it and look inside. Mine had the bearings eaten out.<br /><br />You could re-build it for half the price a new one.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Strange thing,and I don't see it posted often enough.Have you tightened the battery cables with pliers.or your fingers?<br />DHP

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Sounds like your starter has a burnt spot. It's time for a new starter. I just replaced mine on a 1986 3.0 cobra

 

[Darren J]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

It's probably the solenoid. After a while the contact disc burns and corrodes until contact is hard to make. The solenoid can be replaced while still mounted on the starter and engine. They are cheaper at a automotive starter/alternator repair shop then at a boating place.

 

[J. Elstner]

Re: Solenoid is just cliking

Based on all the kind replies:<br /><br />I cleaned the contacts and ground. No go.<br />I banged the Starter. No go.<br />I jumped the starter with a patch from the battery and the starter motor turned.<br />I replaced the solenoid (about $20)and it starts like new.<br /><br />Many thanks for all the replies!<br /><br />Elly