Starting Problem - but not the starter!

[canger]

1996 Sea Ray 175 Runabout<br />Mercuriser 3.0/LX engine<br /><br />After The Engine Has Been Running for a while. . . - When I try to restart may engine (Loading and unloading wakeboarders) the starter CLICKS. It will click many times (about 10), then it will catch and turn over slowly and eventually start. It starts fine when cold.<br /><br />I thought for sure it was the starter so I replaced it.<br /><br />I also cleaned all terminals AND GROUND (surgically clean) before replacing. and covered all connections with silicone calking.<br /><br />The only other part I can think of that may be the problm is the Key Switch, but I really don't think that's it.<br /><br />My Voltage Gauge reads just below 12v without the engine running and around 14v with the engine on.<br /><br />Any body have any suggestions? - I'm stumped.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Bob

 

[andycap10]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

check your solenoid. It is most likly has dirty connections. The part to replace in only about 15-20 bucks. Good luck! The solenoid is usualy located on or near the starter.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

How is the condition of your battery.It may not be charging while you are running.Charlie

 

[canger]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Battery is new. Lots ot juice.

 

[canger]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Solenoid and Starter are Brand New. Connections are very clean - including Ground to engine

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Bob, I have been fighting this problem for two years+ without much success. I keep a clip lead (wire with two small aligator clips) in the glove box so I can jump the solenoid when I need to. I have replaced the ignition key, solenoid and starter without much success. Continuity and resistance tests are inconclusive. I have added extra ground wires to the solenoid. This helped for a while. I put a new terminal on the solenoid primary +12V connection. This helped for a while. I am convinced that it is a ground related issue. Beyond that I do not have a fix!

 

[canger]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Thanks for the reply. At least I'm not the only one with this problem. <br /><br />I'm trying to solve the problem as if it were a car engine. Maybe thats the wrong way.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Bob, See if this is of any help:<br /> http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51250 <br /> I might also suspect the bendix in the starter Good Luck

 

[navigator336]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

I would change your battery cables, especially the ground one. It is common for the interfacebetween the terminals on either end and the wire to degrade over time, thus increasing resistance. When the cable gets warm, the resistance goes much higher still and will cause the problem you're experiencing.

 

[canger]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Starter is Brand New and cranks well when the engine is cold.

 

[canger]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Thanks Navigator336 I'll give it a try.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Starting Problem - but not the starter!

Bob<br />First if the battery is a Lead Acid battery the voltage should be 12.6 volts if 70 degrees. Below 12 volts would be a 50 percent discharged battery. Make sure your terminals are all clean and tight. If you are useing the boats voltmeter that may be why it reads low. 14 Volts is good for alternator and charging battery. <br /><br />If it turn over slow when hot could be have timed to far before TDC. Try timing a few degrees closer to TDC and see if it helps.