Starting Problem

M

MH9371B

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2004
Messages
148
Engine is a 1995 Merc 3.0LX s/n 0F365904

I'm having a starting problem. When I turn the key, all I hear are very rapid, repeated clicking sounds coming from the motor.

I remember seeing a document posted on here a while back outlining how to troubleshoot most common starting problems. I was hoping someone either knew where it was and could re-post it, or possibly give me some insight given the symptom I mentioned above.

Thanks!
 
C

Coors

Captain
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
3,367
Re: Starting Problem

Bad battery, bad battery connection, bad solenoid, bad assist solenoid; search in here
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Starting Problem

Shame on you Bondo, you sent him to the old bbBoard :eek:
 
M

MH9371B

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2004
Messages
148
Re: Starting Problem

Thanks, guys! I will report back my findings.
 
C

CaptMorgan

Recruit
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
2
Re: Starting Problem

MH9371B said:
Engine is a 1995 Merc 3.0LX s/n 0F365904

I'm having a starting problem. When I turn the key, all I hear are very rapid, repeated clicking sounds coming from the motor.

I remember seeing a document posted on here a while back outlining how to troubleshoot most common starting problems. I was hoping someone either knew where it was and could re-post it, or possibly give me some insight given the symptom I mentioned above.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I am currently experiencing the same problem with my 5.7 mercruiser. Here are some quick things to check with a 12 volt test light. On the back of the ignition switch there are 3 wires terminal B (red), terminal S (yel/red) and terminal I (purple). Secure clip on light to a good ground, test terminal B (should have power), move to S terminal turn switch on (should have power). If no power your switch is bad, if powered move to engine compartment.
At engine compartment you have a slave solenoid. There are 2 large posts and 2 small post. At the top large post B yel/red wire, the lower large post A red wire, the two smaller posts D blk wire and C yel/red wire. With the test light grounded probe terminal post C with key turned on test light should come on if so now test A terminal, if it lights clip the test light on A terminal post. Put test probe on terminal D if it does not light the ground on the slave solenoid is bad. Without a ground the slave solenoid will not work (clean grounds) and re-test. If test light does not work then it could be one of three things, connection between the engine harness plug is bad, bad neutral Safety Switch or bad connection between ignition switch and slave solenoid.
If you have checked the above try this: Turn starter switch on as if your starting the boat. If it is clicking and no cranking of the starter. Go to Slave Solenoid on engine block. Connect test light to a good ground and with the probe test terminal A. If A lights then probe terminal B with the switch activated for cranking. If you hear a click and test light does not come on then the Salve Solenoid is bad. If you connect B & C together on the slave solenoid (it should start). If the light come on when testing at B terminal then move down and check solenoid on the starter (same proceedure).
Let me know if this helps or what you haqve done to get the boat running again.
Good Luck
CaptMorgan
 
C

CaptMorgan

Recruit
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
2
Re: Starting Problem

MH9371B said:
Engine is a 1995 Merc 3.0LX s/n 0F365904

I'm having a starting problem. When I turn the key, all I hear are very rapid, repeated clicking sounds coming from the motor.

I remember seeing a document posted on here a while back outlining how to troubleshoot most common starting problems. I was hoping someone either knew where it was and could re-post it, or possibly give me some insight given the symptom I mentioned above.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I am currently experiencing the same problem with my 5.7 mercruiser. Here are some quick things to check with a 12 volt test light. On the back of the ignition switch there are 3 wires terminal B (red), terminal S (yel/red) and terminal I (purple). Secure clip on light to a good ground, test terminal B (should have power), move to S terminal turn switch on (should have power). If no power your switch is bad, if powered move to engine compartment.
At engine compartment you have a slave solenoid. There are 2 large posts and 2 small post. At the top large post B yel/red wire, the lower large post A red wire, the two smaller posts D blk wire and C yel/red wire. With the test light grounded probe terminal post C with key turned on test light should come on if so now test A terminal, if it lights clip the test light on A terminal post. Put test probe on terminal D if it does not light the ground on the slave solenoid is bad. Without a ground the slave solenoid will not work (clean grounds) and re-test. If test light does not work then it could be one of three things, connection between the engine harness plug is bad, bad neutral Safety Switch or bad connection between ignition switch and slave solenoid.
If you have checked the above try this: Turn starter switch on as if your starting the boat. If it is clicking and no cranking of the starter. Go to Slave Solenoid on engine block. Connect test light to a good ground and with the probe test terminal A. If A lights then probe terminal B with the switch activated for cranking. If you hear a click and test light does not come on then the Salve Solenoid is bad. If you connect B & C together on the slave solenoid (it should start). If the light come on when testing at B terminal then move down and check solenoid on the starter (same proceedure).
Let me know if this helps or what you haqve done to get the boat running again.
Good Luck
CaptMorgan
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Starting Problem

CaptMorgan
Have you looked at the links bondo and I posted earlier?
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,110
Re: Starting Problem

Don S said:
Shame on you Bondo, you sent him to the old bbBoard :eek:
Click to expand...

Ayuh,......

I just went down to the bottom of page 1 of the engine forum,+ captured the link You left for somebody Else,..........

Same Page,.... Posted by You,..... Just the Old Format........

'course, I saved to it favorites, so I could find it easier next time,.....
Now I'll have to go Change That........ Or,... Maybe I'll leave it alone,... just for S & Giggles....
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Starting Problem

I wouldn't change it bondo. The new one now has the scroll bars on it that makes it almost impossible to read.
 
M

MH9371B

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2004
Messages
148
Re: Starting Problem

Thanks for all of the help! Sometimes it is the simplest of things. One of the battery terminals was ever so slightly loose. I literally only cranked it down about another 1/5 of a turn and that corrected the problem. Now it is starting on the first key turn every time. Thanks again!
 
RubberFrog

RubberFrog

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 9, 2005
Messages
4,268
Re: Starting Problem

Take it apart and clean it up. I wouldn't trust it with just a 1/5 turn not to poop out again on the water.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,110
Re: Starting Problem

One of the battery terminals was ever so slightly loose. I literally only cranked it down about another 1/5 of a turn and that corrected the problem.
Click to expand...

Ahhhhhhhhh,.....But now you've set yourself up for Disappointment Later in the season...........

Go back,+ Remove,+ Clean, Shiney Clean those terminals,+ Then you'll have it Fixed........
If you Slather a Big Fingerfull of Grease on,+ around the Terminals,...After they've been Cleaned,.....
There will Never be Any Corrosion on them........
 
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