starter / solenoid help

[chesire]

I have a 1986 mercruiser 3.0. The other day I was out after a while I shut off and it would not restart. click click click. I found that the two bolts that hold the starter solenoid in place vibrated loose. I got the boat to start by moving the solenoid around. At home I tightened everything up it started once now I can't get it to turn over Just click click. I'm thinking solenoid but how do I make sure? thanks

 

[12Footer]

Re: starter / solenoid help

Tightening everything up would do the trick normally. But in you case,and the case of anything elctrical on water, I would REMOVE the solenoid, and clean the posts shiny,as well as the terminal ends...Shiny.<br />Battery post and terminals too. Once it starts perfectly, coat these connections with a good corrosion protector,such as CRC's Post protector.It comes in a small spray can,and goes on like thin,red paint. It just looks like paint, and can be removed with gas or other solvents easily,if ever the need arises. Great stuff.<br />But the short of it is, unless you twisted the terminal inside the solenoid, it's a bad connection outside, or battery voltage is low.<br />If you did twist the conections inside, you'll have to replace the solenoid,probably. They are sealed on marine starters,and don't take kindly to being opened. Besides,at the cost vs agrivation of rebuilding, it comes-out cheaper to replace.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: starter / solenoid help

In order to test the solenoid, you must do 2 voltage tests. <br />>Measure the voltage at the motor terminal while holding in the crank position.<br />>Measure the voltage to the Battery terminal while holding in crank position.<br />*All voltages are taken when the starter just clicks and the key is held in the crank position.<br /><br />*If both read 12V or so, the motor is bad.<br />*If the batt terminal reads 12v and the mtr reads very low, the solenoid is bad<br />*If the batt terminal reads low, the cables and connections are in question <br /><br />

 

[chesire]

Re: starter / solenoid help

OK problem fixed! well at least working now. I took the solenoid off cleaned everthing still just a clink then I took off the rubber boot On the starter off (where it connects solenoid to starter,with a copper tube) and sprayed some contact cleaner in there and it cranked right over.<br /> Am I going to need to replace the starter? <br />Thanks guys

 

[petryshyn]

Re: starter / solenoid help

sounds like you aggrivated the brushes into working a few more times. remove the endcover (2 through bolts) and have a look at the brushes.<br /><br />as 12' says, if you're not handy, it may be easier to replace starter. The 2 voltage tests above, would have determined the problem area.<br />