Starter help!!

J

JoeSmo209

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Fisherman 209
Went to fire up the boat for the first time this yr amd the starter clicks, checked batteries there good as is connections, so replaced the starter thinking that was the issue. New starter in amd same thing!!! The starter just clicks.. Any suggestions on issues or what the problem could be any help is greatly appreciated
 
JoeSmo209 said:
Went to fire up the boat for the first time this yr amd the starter clicks, checked batteries there good as is connections, so replaced the starter thinking that was the issue. New starter in amd same thing!!! The starter just clicks.. Any suggestions on issues or what the problem could be any help is greatly appreciated
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Clean your connections. I've had connections that looked clean enough that I'd bet the farm it wasn't the issue. Cleaned them anyway, and it fired right up.
You didn't mention what engine or how old, but it is pretty rare for a late model Japanese starter to quit.
Also, how did you verify the batteries are good? When you hit the key with a light on, does the light get very dim? The battery could show more than 12v, but what does it show with a load?
 
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Took connections apart and cleaned again, tested batteries with a volt meter and even had a jump box on them while trying to start in case it was them and still just click click. Batteries are a yr old an on a trickle charger. Engine is a 2003 yamaha 200 hpdi.
 
I had a similar issue where it ended up being a bad connection. At the end of the season in 2023, I went out and took the boat off the buoy for the year and it wouldn't start. Replaced the batteries, brought the boat in without any further issues. Next season in the spring/early summer of 2024, I launched the boat and it wouldn't start, just clicked once and the gauges would flash, then went blank. Pulled the boat and trailer back out of the water, trailered it back to the cabin, made sure all of my connections were tight and tightened the one battery terminal nut just ever so slightly to where that was all it took to start up. Haven't had the issue since then.
 
What does “checked batteries there good” mean?

Tight connections are important but I would bet on bad battery. How old is it? Electrolyte levels?
 
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How does one check the stater relay?
 
On the starter relay, there will be two smaller terminals two fatter terminals; One from the battery +12v and the second which goes to the starter motor. The two smaller diameter terminals that are the control voltage.
Normally, the turning of the ignition switch cause voltage to be sent to the relay via the smaller wires, one is 12v and the other id ground. That causes the rely to make a connection (internally) between the two larger terminals.
If you carefully jump the two large terminals with something like a screwdriver , the starter should run. If it doesn't either the starter is bad or the connections on the larger wires is bad ( could be at the battery switch or at the battery).

If the motor turns when jumped but only clicks when the ignition switch is turned, the relay probably is bad or the connections are bad.
 
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Check kill switch lanyard clipped in. Make sure shift is in neutral.

Clip volt meter to ground and small lug on engine starter solenoid. Turn key to start - should have +12 vdc on that lug. Does solenoid pull in? It should because this is how high current power is applied to started motor. If solenoid pulls in and engine doesn't crank check the voltage on the started motor when solenoid is engaged. Should go to +12VDC.

You can find a video on YOUTUBE to help you test the starter. Try the one you took out first. I pop the hood on my car and use a set of car jumper cables and a screwdriver to test with. If this tests OK try it with your installed boat battery.
 
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JoeSmo209 said:
Took connections apart and cleaned again, tested batteries with a volt meter and even had a jump box on them while trying to start in case it was them and still just click click. Batteries are a yr old an on a trickle charger. Engine is a 2003 yamaha 200 hpdi.
Click to expand...
Measure voltage on the starter when "cranking", not the batteries.
You could apply 12V directly to the starter 12V poles making two new cables and screw them on, but you have to know what you are doing to not create a short.

All clicking starter relay i experienced on my cars or others cars and boats were always low volts/amps on the starter.
As your batteries are good (that the jump starter did not help show that) and you have 2 not working starters there is most likely corrosion between battery and starter.
Maybe mice who eat a hole in rubber isolation and copper strands corroded, check also well the ring terminals.
Chris
 
Click Click means the relay is getting the voltage to activate it. Try the jumping of the big positive terminal n the relay to the other big terminal. The starter motor should run. You have to be careful not to short out the positive terminal. Also note that the battery switch needs to be on but the ignition can stay off.
 
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