Clicks but won't start!
 

So today I wanted to start up the boat in the final part of my wiring clean-up project.

It started fine last week so I anticipated no problems.

So I turn the ignition, it turns over once then just clicks.
Tried again, same thing.
Tried a 3rd time and now it just clicks.

Did some digging and I came across MickeyT's Diagnostics and got the the final step,
"Touch terminal B on the starter solenoid itself"

I have power here, but only when you try to start the engine, is that correct?

I don't think I have a battery issue, I tried to jump it off the car and had the same results.

So I'm thinking its the starter.
Would appreciate any thoughts / opinions on this before I take off the starter.

Thanks

Chris

Re: Clicks but won't start!
 

Sounds like Battery or terminals to me, just not getting the amperage needed. Try a good trickle charge to fully charge the battery and then try. If good, then clean all terminals.

Hope its that simple.

Re: Clicks but won't start!
 

Agreed. Sounds like low voltage.

Re: Clicks but won't start!
 

We occasionally get the same issue. Every once in a while when we start the boat in neutral with the throttle at a quarter, we just get a click and no turn-over. If we put the throttle back to the center/neutral position, then it is able to turn-over.

For us, I would tend to think this is related to a safety issue that is misinterpreting when the gear is disengaged.

Since it is an intermittent thing, the mechanic was unable to reproduce the symtom and truly find the issue. However, it has not actually been a problem for us due to our makeshift remedy.

I wonder if this method would work for you?

Thanks,

Kris

Re: Clicks but won't start!
 

Thanks all, it was indeed the battery!
Charged it this morning and installed it at noon, thing fired up first time.
Now just need to watch it for a few days to see if it holds charge

Thanks all for the help!
Chris