Starter issues

[fabio]

Every so often when I start my boat(1997 Ski Nautique w/ Ford 350 engine) I get a click just after I turn the ignition. I have had the battery, starter solenoid and the starter replaced. But, it only does this when it sits for a day or two, after that it starts just fine for the rest of the day. I have also checked all the wires and connection to make sure they are clean and tight. Could it be the last peace of the puzzle, my ignition switch?
Any help would be deeply appreciated!
Thank you in advance!!!


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[ScooterMcgavin]

Yes it can be the ignition/key switch I had one go out on my 89 sport and it was having very similar symptoms. It's a pretty inexpensive part and it fixed mine.

[fabio]

Yes it can be the ignition/key switch I had one go out on my 89 sport and it was having very similar symptoms. It's a pretty inexpensive part and it fixed mine.

Thanks, I'll be looking into one....


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[fabio]

Thanks, I'll be looking into one....


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[kmarine]

also check and clean ground cable to engine side from battery as this is also common.

[Jimboslice54]

Try cleaning the ignition contact on your starter. Mine has done the same thing several times, and I was able to just pull the yellow wire off, rub a little sand paper on the blade to knock the corrosion off, and start up.

Also you might change the power relay for the ecu. Had one go bad where it wouldn't close but every 3rd key turn.

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[fabio]

Try cleaning the ignition contact on your starter. Mine has done the same thing several times, and I was able to just pull the yellow wire off, rub a little sand paper on the blade to knock the corrosion off, and start up.

Also you might change the power relay for the ecu. Had one go bad where it wouldn't close but every 3rd key turn.

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Where would I be able to locate a "power rely for the ecu" and where would it be located on my engine?



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[Jimboslice54]

Back by the ecu. They are the same type of relay. One is for the fuel pumps the other is the ecu

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[fabio]

Back by the ecu. They are the same type of relay. One is for the fuel pumps the other is the ecu

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Thank you!!!


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[fabio]

It continues..... I have a new starter, starter solenoid, new battery, checked connections, new ignition switch and new ECU relay. The issue still continues, when I go to start my boat it will click one or twice then start.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks you in advance!


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[jasper]

I would have bet it was the starter relay based on the one-click description. Try switching the relays (they should be the same relay) to be sure??? That's all I can offer...

Jasper

[fabio]

I would have bet it was the starter relay based on the one-click description. Try switching the relays (they should be the same relay) to be sure??? That's all I can offer...

Jasper

Thanks for the suggestion. I have replaced both of them since they were next to each other.

I just may have to take it to an electric shop or $Nautique service center$.... for diagnose.

Thanks again!!!!


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[Joshua J Rowe]

Mine does this too. Sometimes takes a few clicks to get the engine to turn over but it always starts. I have been assuming this issue is caused by a piston being near TDC and the starter is having a hard time producing the torque required to get the crank moving against the pressure. This could be due to weak starter, insufficient current, low voltage, etc. The click is the solenoid!

It would be worth metering the power cable during this issue to see if the starter is drawing full amperage with the key held in start position after a "click". This would indicate the starter is getting power but cannot move. The starter should be pulling somewhere in the 100 amp range. It may pull 5x that for a moment, this is called the inrush current. This will generate a boat load of heat within the motor windings. Do not hold key in start position for very long, you could burn up your starter.

Also would be good to check current to the solenoid to see if it is adequate for proper operation. I would expect to see something like 5-10 amps for this. If the solenoid is not getting good current corrosion is likely an issue, which means resistance, which means less voltage to the solenoid, which means less pressure on the contacts which means less current to the starter motor. Even a brand new starter will not work properly if the solenoid is barely getting enough power to push the contacts together.

[fabio]

Mine does this too. Sometimes takes a few clicks to get the engine to turn over but it always starts. I have been assuming this issue is caused by a piston being near TDC and the starter is having a hard time producing the torque required to get the crank moving against the pressure. This could be due to weak starter, insufficient current, low voltage, etc. The click is the solenoid!

It would be worth metering the power cable during this issue to see if the starter is drawing full amperage with the key held in start position after a "click". This would indicate the starter is getting power but cannot move. The starter should be pulling somewhere in the 100 amp range. It may pull 5x that for a moment, this is called the inrush current. This will generate a boat load of heat within the motor windings. Do not hold key in start position for very long, you could burn up your starter.

Also would be good to check current to the solenoid to see if it is adequate for proper operation. I would expect to see something like 5-10 amps for this. If the solenoid is not getting good current corrosion is likely an issue, which means resistance, which means less voltage to the solenoid, which means less pressure on the contacts which means less current to the starter motor. Even a brand new starter will not work properly if the solenoid is barely getting enough power to push the contacts together.

Thank you for the insight I'll will be checking what you suggested.
Thanks again.


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