Starting Problem - Clicking noise - not battery

[kfelder]

Hello Ladies and Gentleman,<br /><br />I have a 2 years old Mercruiser 5.0 with an Alpha drive.<br /><br />Three weeks ago the engine started fine.<br /><br />Today I turn the key, and a very loud and fast clicking sound is all I get.<br /><br />The dual batteries are fully charged.<br /><br />This sound is coming from the area of the distributor cap. Sounds like an electrical component making the clicking sound.<br /><br />Is this a coil or solinod or starter problem?<br /><br />Point me in the general direction please !!!

 

[NICK JONES]

Re: Starting Problem - Clicking noise - not battery

From what you say it sounds like low voltage to the starter solenoid , not enough to hold the solenoid in. Disconnect all battery terminals , clean them and try again, you might have some resistance at these connections causing a voltage drop to the solenoid when you turn the key. Also check that the battery leads are making a good connection in the terminals and not corroded. If you have access to a voltmeter, see that the supply voltage to the solenoid (heavy battery cable) is good when the key is turned. If it's not a bad connection then bear in mind that solenoids regularly go bad in the humid environment of your engine bay.