Starter issues

[G64]

Hi folks. I’m having a problem and I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

1984 3.0 mercruiser

The starter in my boat is just repeatedly clicking, and the motor never engages. In troubleshooting so far, I’ve had the battery tested and I’ve checked all the connections. I have hooked my jump pack directly to the starter with the same results. I’ve jumped across the solenoid contacts, same thing.
I then found that the battery voltage is 12.6 with the key in the off position, but it drops to 12.3v when the key is switched to the run position.
Something is drawing quite a bit of current.

Any thoughts as to what it could be or how to trace it? Am I right to think that draw could be causing my starter issues?

My accessories are all on a separate battery and circuit.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[gm280]

Sounds like you need to repair the starter first. The key on is probably running other things and that could account for the 3 tenths of a voltage drop. I would remove the starter and either repair it or replace it... JMHO

 

[alldodge]

Remove the battery cable ends from the starter and the negative on the engine block. They should be clean and shinny, and bend the ends to see if there is any corrosion under the jacket.

If all that is good, then agree with gm280

 

[QBhoy]

Pull the spark plugs out. The pessimism in me suspects you may have water in there. Will tell a story one way or the other at least.

 

[kenny nunez]

It appears that the starter needs replacing. According to the local starter/alternator/generator shop when the field circuit fails that is how a starter will act. If the starter spins but does not engage then the armature shaft is rusted and preventing the solenoid from engaging the drive into the flywheel.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Pull the plugs and make sure not full of water!