Solenoid?

[KrazyAlaska]

So I removed the starter on my 1991 120 force. Lubed the bendix threads reinstalled it. Hit the key and it turned over. Great! Went to hit it again to confirm a job well done and it just clicked. One click Each time I turn the key. Removed starter fired it from battery and it worked fine. Noticed upon removal of hot wire I put the connector right on the housing against the fabric seperator. So I put the nut back on that should have there originaly. Reinstalled it. Checked battery voltage. 12.7. Checked it again at solenoid. 12.7 checked the other side the goes to starter. Less than 6v when I turn key over. Is this correct voltage ?Any ideas?

 

[Simple_Man]

Most likely a bad solenoid

 

[KrazyAlaska]

I have a new on order. Thanks. Hopefully that does it.

 

[gm280]

Any time you can jumper from the battery straight to the starter and it works perfect, but not with the normal setup, you have a solenoid issue. A clinking sound does not mean the solenoid is connecting properly. All that means is the key switch is supplying the proper voltage to the small terminal on the solenoid as it is supposed too. Those contacts inside do get burnt over time. So regardless how it sounds, the ability to pass the current through is the real issue...

 

[Jiggz]

One quick diagnostic test will tell you if it's the solenoid that is causing the problem. Use a screwdriver and short the two large terminals on the solenoid, if the starter engages, then the solenoid is bad or worn out. Otherwise if the starter does not engage, it is most likely the negative terminal on the engine block that needs to be cleaned and tightened. Visual or a quick shake is not enough. You need to dismount the negative terminal and wire brush or sand paper it until shiny and do the same with the mating surfaces. Make sure you use a split lock washer to keep it tight.

 

[KrazyAlaska]

Thanks everyone. I think I will clean ground either way. I will jump solenoid this evening.

 

[KrazyAlaska]

So I jumped the solenoid and got nothing. Pulled the starter and opened it up. The wire to the brushes spun off. I guess the lug was spinning whil I was tightening it and didn't catch it. So I have a spare solenoid. Having it repaired in the morning. Thanks for all of the input.

 

[Jiggz]

Thanks for posting the final outcome especially a positive one.

 

[gm280]

So I jumped the solenoid and got nothing. Pulled the starter and opened it up. The wire to the brushes spun off. I guess the lug was spinning whil I was tightening it and didn't catch it. So I have a spare solenoid. Having it repaired in the morning. Thanks for all of the input.

Okay a starter problem. But since you started it would start "Removed starter fired it from battery and it worked fine." Actually through everybody off there. However, glad you got everything fixed and also report what was the actual problem... Happy boating... :thumb: