Failing Starter?

[mf01]

I posted previously about how my engine takes 3 consistent cranks to get it started. I was thinking it was a sensor, but when it's started it runs great. Also, when it's warm it starts right away (when the starter turns). Now I'm leaning towards the starter. Over the past couple of weeks, the boat has not started on the water about once each time out. After we switch wakeboarders, I go to start it and nothing. The battery is a year old and seems strong. Also, I lift the engine cover and hear the starter relay clicking, but the starter doesn't turn at all. If we wait a minute and crank the key again it will start right up. I'm thinking either the starter has a loose wire (possibly corroded) or is slowly going bad. The boat is 1994 and I'm fairly sure that it's the original starter. I know electrical equipment goes bad on boats, could the starter be near the end of its life? Should I replace it now?

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Failing Starter?

I'd start with the starter relay, even though it is clicking. It is much less expensive to replace a $25 part than a starter, and if that's not it, you're only out $25 (and should probably replace the relay anyway).

[mf01]

Re: RE: Failing Starter?

I'd start with the starter relay, even though it is clicking. It is much less expensive to replace a $25 part than a starter, and if that's not it, you're only out $25 (and should probably replace the relay anyway).

So, it's fairly common for the relay to go out, especially after 13 years?

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Re: RE: Failing Starter?

Absolutely. The one on my '94 went out in 2002 or so.

[M3Fan]

RE: Re: RE: Failing Starter?

Also, check your battery connections. Both the clamp to the battery AND the connection from the cable to the clamp. A corroded connection from my clamp to the cable itself caused a row-in to the ramp once this year. Low voltage causes these exact symptoms as well.

[mf01]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Failing Starter?

Also, check your battery connections. Both the clamp to the battery AND the connection from the cable to the clamp. A corroded connection from my clamp to the cable itself caused a row-in to the ramp once this year. Low voltage causes these exact symptoms as well.

Hmm, I'll check those first. It did seem like a low voltage situation. I opened up the battery area yesterday to jump it with my portable jumper, but before I tried it, I had my girlfriend crank it again. It started right up, so I could've jiggled the cable just a little by moving the area around the battery. The cable might be coming out of the terminal. All in all, someway it seems like the starter isn't getting enough juice.