Unreliable Starter

[Doug]

On occasion when I turn the key to start, there is nothing but a click back aft. I have to combine the batteries before the engine will start, even though the charge on the starting battery is at 13.5 volts, the same as the thruster and house banks. Your thoughts will be welcome.-Doug

 

[knotflying]

I would check your connections from the battery to the switch all the way to the starter. You may have some corrosion causing resistance and then when you combine there is enough juice to overcome the issue. Check your ground wire to the engine block as well.

 

[Metric Rider]

I had a similar situation last summer and it turned out to be a loose connection on the starter, which was discovered by a good samaritan who new what to look for.

 

[pugtug613]

Definitely the connections. (IMO) Take them off, wire brush them with a solution of baking soda and water. Put them back and make sure they are tight. Turn the battery switches to "OFF" first. If that doesn't work, all bets are off. It's easy enough to try.

 

[joempo]

I have had the same issue intermittently. A couple of additional (to the above) comments. I swapped the braided ground to a shielded cable of the same size as the battery cable. Also, someone pointed out to me that my 110 Yanmar vibrates quite a bit which can lead to the battery cable working loose from the starter connection, so I check it periodically with a wrench.
Perhaps the worst case would be the contacts in the starter solenoid being burnt and failing to make the proper connection to turn the starter. That would entail removing the starter and replacing the contacts. Not a terribly difficult procedure, but probably time consuming, depending upon which boat and motor you have.
Hope these comments help.
Joe

 

[Levitation]

After you have shined up the cable fittings slop some wheel bearing grease on them before putting them back together.
And do replace that braided flat cable on the engine ground strap with insulated heavy gauge wire.
In any relationship, it is the little things that count . :mrgreen:

 

[Doug]

Thanks for your ideas. I'm sure the answer is in there somewhere; however, it will now have to wait for warmer weather-Doug

 

[knotflying]

Every electrical connection I touch I put a little corrosion block on them.