What is this part clicking when I try to start?

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vspinnet

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May 16, 2011
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My boat was running fine before I left it out in the weather for a year and a half with the engine cover. Now, when I try to start the engine, I get a clicking sound from this part mounted on top of the engine that looks like a small solenoid with electrical wires to it and near cables. I have replaced the battery and had the starter/solenoid tested (which worked). What could be this small part keeping my engine from starting? Sorry for no photos. I will post photos if the part is not so obvious to you guys.

Thank you all for any help.
 
coolbri70

coolbri70

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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

is it a ford? sounds like the starter relay
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

It's the clicker. All motors have one. We all know exactly what you mean. :facepalm: Come on, help us a little help by giving some info like what motor you're working on and a pic might help. Put yourself in our shoes and read what you wrote.
 
V

vspinnet

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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

It's an OMC Cobra 5.7liter. Sorry my post is vague. I am fairly certain the part is a slave solenoid. I would have snapped a photo, but I have to borrow a phone to take the picture.
 
V

vspinnet

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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

I have confirmed that the part clicking is a slave (secondary) solenoid. The engine is an OMC Cobra 5.7L.

1. I checked the fuses on the engine (no circuit breaker) and all were fine.

2. I inspected and cleaned all terminals and connections from the battery to the starter/solenoid to the slave solenoid, including grounds.

3. The battery cable reads close to 13 volts on an analog tester and reads the same when the key is turned.

4. The master and slave solenoids read close to 13 volts on always power wire, and the same when the key is turned on the wire that has power when the key is turned.

Would you guys recommend that I now try replacing the slave solenoid, or is there anything else I could try?


Thank you all for taking the time to help. I promise in the future to be more specific.
 
V

vspinnet

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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

I'm wondering if the new battery has a low charge or something..
 
V

vspinnet

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Messages
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Re: What is this part clicking when I try to start?

I'm posting this in case someone reads this with the same problem. I followed Don S's troubleshooting guide and found that one of the wires was only putting out 7 volts, so I took off the starter/solenoid and slave solenoid, and wire brushed the terminals, connectors, nuts, and washers. I also replaced questionable nuts and washers. Then, I installed everything back and tightened the terminals as tight as I could without breaking anything and she fired right up.

Again, thanks for the help.
 
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