Starter cranks once

[Partar]

Engine is a Volvo Penta AQ151B from an 87 Sun Runner. I just replaced my timing belt, cap rotor and ignition coil. Cleaned up all of my connections and tested the starter relay ( it was fine). If I turn the key I hear a single click, it sounds like it could either be the starter solenoid or the relay I am not sure since the ignition is so far away from the motor.

If I take a jumper cable and put the negative on a ground bold and the positive to the starter terminal it will crank once. If I put the positive to the solenoid it clicks. I took the starter in the other day to get bench tested and it was perfectly fine after multiple tests. When I turn the crank by hand the engine spins normally, no lock ups or anything.

The next step for me is probably using my test light to make sure the wires are working. I did use my multimeter since I had it out for testing my relay and I am getting a signal to the wire that goes to the starter solenoid when I turn the ignition.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Starter cranks once

Sounds like a weak starter.
Or a bad connection.
Or a bad battery lead.
Do a compression test.
Get a jump box. Then you can test the solenoid at the rear.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

Sounds like a weak starter.
Does this not show up on the bench test since there is no flywheel causing friction?

Or a bad connection.

Working on it.

Or a bad battery lead.

And this as well.

Do a compression test.

Already done as follows 160 165 165 155

Get a jump box. Then you can test the solenoid at the rear

I will have to look into a jump box.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Starter cranks once

Start with the basics.

Remove, inspect, and clean all the battery and cable connections from the battery to the solenoids, starter, and block. If you see any corrosion in any of the cables, they need to be replaced. Test lights won't tell you diddly, other then there is some voltage present. A voltage drop test with a multi-meter would tell you more. You are worried about the amount of amperage that can pass through the system, and corroded stuff doesn't lend it's self to being good at passing amperage. If everything is cleaned, inspected, tightened, and your battery is up to snuff, your starter relay may be suspect.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

Ok i have a dmm so i will check as soon as i get a chance. Does the starter solenoid not get tested when they do a bench test?

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Starter cranks once

The "Clue" is the timing belt.

It sounds-Off!

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

I tripple checked the markings on the timing gears, they are all three lined up as perfectly as I could get them. The distributor is right where it was before the belt snapped. I dont think the timing will be perfect but I think it should be close enough to start.

Here are some things I tested today.

the harness to the relay only 4 volts when turning the key for the ignition wire.

Same 4 volts sent to the starter...

I tested the main wiring harness and the ignition wire gets 12 volts there so it has to be something after that.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

I also tested the - terminal at the ignition coil to be 2 volts static and 1.3 volts when turning the key. The + was 12 volts in both positions.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Starter cranks once

Ok i have a dmm so i will check as soon as i get a chance. Does the starter solenoid not get tested when they do a bench test?

Typically when bench testing the starter, it is done as if the starter was in the boat using the solenoid to both push out the Bendix drive, and supply voltage to the motor. If that's all you have (no separate starter relay that someone may have added), it's sounding like you either have a connection issue, or the battery is flat. The starter can't be completely ruled out, because there can be burnt spots inside the solenoid that make a poor connection, and won't allow the starter motor to spin (especially under load).
Like I said though, go for the basics first.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Starter cranks once

I also tested the - terminal at the ignition coil to be 2 volts static and 1.3 volts when turning the key. The + was 12 volts in both positions.

Sounds like you are loosing something somewhere. Should be a full 12 volts to the tab on the starter when starting. You need to check your connections.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

yeah, its somewhere between where the relay and the main wiring harness. Its hard to tell where since its all in sheath. I might just run a new wire from the harness to the relay.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

Here is the wire at the main harness, it reads 12 volts when you turn the ignition as if you were trying to crank over.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

OK I cleaned some more grounds and now I can get it to keep cranking, its still sort of slow but better. I want to test for spark next, I know I am getting 12 volts to the distributor, I tested the wire from the coil to the cap and it reads 12 volts. I am not sure if I am getting any spark at the plugs though.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

I also just noticed when the motor is spinning the alternator pulley wont turn, the V belt simply glides over it.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

it was a combo of the battery and the alternator being seized.

 

[argyll cruiser]

Re: Starter cranks once

hi. i sant seem to get power to my starter motor... just got na click from the starter relay on the top of my aq211a engine. so changed that also. ive noticed the resistor thats next to the ht coil gets hot when trying to start. am i missing something???

batteries's charged up so i know it.s not battery related... realkly stumped now???????

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter cranks once

Even though you "think" the battery is charged, it may not hold a charge so measure the voltage directly at the battery while having someone crank the engine. Bets the voltage is dropping way low indicating a bad battery. If you haven't fixed the alternator, at least take the belt off while trying to crank the engine. The belt will be toast anyway so replace it when you get the other stuff sorted out. DO NOT run the engine with the belt off for anything more than a few seconds.

 

[Partar]

Re: Starter cranks once

I have replaced the battery and the cables. I took the Alternator off, I was only planning to get it to turn over then shut off right away since the water pump is ran by the V belt and will be disconnected. I just don't want to spend money on an alternator until I can get it to run.