Starter Problem

[Thomv]

On one of my motors, whenever I turn the ignition switch to start the motor, two out of three times, I get a no crank no start issue. Usually on the third try the motor fires up instantly. When I try and get the no crank no start issue I do hear the solenoid clicking. This is a 454 MPI Mercruiser. I plan on checking the actual voltage at the solenoid connection to make sure the starter is getting at least 1.6 volts. Does anyone have any suggestions on the troubleshooting of this starter and also what side is the starter on. I am hoping it is not the port side because on this side is my other engine which will leave me very little wiggle room if I have to replace the starter.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Starter Problem

Check all the wiring and make sure all connections are clean and tight. If all good replace the solenoid. Just because it clicks does not mean its good. A voltage test may show proper voltage but the contacts inside the solenoid can burn and not provide enough amperage for the starter. You can verify this by doing a voltage drop test.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Problem

Before you start replacing parts, here is how you troubleshoot the system. The problem could be your ignition switch, neutral safety switch, slave solenoid, starter solenoid, or even the starter itself.
Being an intermittent, you will need to do the testing while it's not working.
Here is how to troubleshoot the starting system. HOW TO: Troubleshooting your engines starting system?/ 167035

What is the serial number of your engine, you may have a relay instead of a solenoid.

 

[achris]

Re: Starter Problem

.... and also what side is the starter on. I am hoping it is not the port side because on this side is my other engine which will leave me very little wiggle room if I have to replace the starter.

It's on the starboard side of the engine...

 

[Thomv]

Re: Starter Problem

before you start replacing parts, here is how you troubleshoot the system. The problem could be your ignition switch, neutral safety switch, slave solenoid, starter solenoid, or even the starter itself.
Being an intermittent, you will need to do the testing while it's not working.
Here is how to troubleshoot the starting system. how to: Troubleshooting your engines starting system*/ 167035

what is the serial number of your engine, you may have a relay instead of a solenoid.

ol-085359

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Problem

Just checked, you do have a solenoid as shown in the troubleshooting article, not a relay.

 

[Thomv]

Re: Starter Problem

Thanks for all the useful information. I did remove the starter this afternoon and it was in pretty bad shape. Looks like it was the original from 1999. In fact, one of the smaller lugs on the solenoid, snapped off as I was removing the nut with very little effort on my 1/4 inch socket drive. This was a bear to remove as I had to lay across both motors and extend both arms down to get at all the connections and the two main mounting bolts which were at the bottom of the starter. I should have put down some cushioning between my upper chest and the top of the motor. Now I can appreciate why the boat mechanics get such high labor hour charges! I was thinking about having it rebuilt but after what I have been through I decided against it and will just buy a new one for around $200. I saw some units on Amazon for half that cost but I have no idea of the quality so I will go with a new unit and be done with it. To make it a little more easier I did remove one of the cooling hoses that went into one of the power steering coolers. I am also going to replace both mounting bolts which were pretty rusted and the inline 80 amp fuse. I was surprised that the bolts were not stainless steel.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Problem

Sounds like a salt water boat.

Be sure your new starter is marine, not automotive.

 

[Thomv]

Re: Starter Problem

Yes it is a salt water boat and yes it will be a marine unit.

 

[achris]

Re: Starter Problem

.... I was surprised that the bolts were not stainless steel.

Mercruiser are really good at that :facepalm:

When I got my new engine package (2006), I spent an extra couple of hundred dollars buying Stainless bolts to replace all the crappy mild steel ones still on the engine. There's 3 holding the shift plate to the starboard exhaust elbow, 2 holding the electric motor to the pump body on the trim pump, I replaced the 3 holding the ECM plate to the port elbow, all the sump (oil pan for y'all yanks ) bolts, the 2 for the starter motor. I swapped out all the nyloc nuts on the inner transom plate, complete with SS washers too. Once I'd finished that, I went around pulling each of the nuts and bolts on the drive (including the little tiny ones holding the anodes onto the trim ram end-caps) and coating them with a special water-proof grease (Aqualube). I know them puppies is comein' out when I need. Then I sprayed the entire engine package with corrosion guard, concentrating on any electrical connections.

Chris......

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Problem

No marine engine marinizer of Chevy engines use SS starter bolts.

Personally, I wouldn't there is more problem with SS and aluminum corrosion than there is with the standard steel bolts with the aluminum starter housing. Put some grease on the bolts, and better yet fix the reason/s you are getting salt water on the starter to begin with.

 

[Thomv]

Re: Starter Problem

No marine engine marinizer of Chevy engines use SS starter bolts.

Personally, I wouldn't there is more problem with SS and aluminum corrosion than there is with the standard steel bolts with the aluminum starter housing. Put some grease on the bolts, and better yet fix the reason/s you are getting salt water on the starter to begin with.

Will do. I did order two new ones only because the other two were badly rusted.