Electrical Problems

[mnwakerider]

I understand and believe you. The noise is different. But I was thinking more on the lines the solenoid was pulling in properly but the starter is ceased or stuck on a bad spot in the rotor. People often get past the latter by hitting the starter with a hammer. For the ceased starter, I would think the main cable would heat up quickly. But in this case, you would definitely hear the Bendix engage in the flywheel.

I'm not sure what boat you have but I do think there are two solenoids a Ford type remote from the starter then the one on the starter. But I'm not sure about that that's why I mentioned you might not have line voltage at the starter w/o the remote solenoid engaged.

Finally, Yes all the voltages should be close to the same. The drop to the starter is low.

If you think the starter needs more voltage for some reason, you can always jump the boat with a running car to get 14.5 volts. If you do this, BE CAREFUL: Wear safety glasses and make sure you get the poles correct.

So please report back what boat/engine you have.

Thanks,

I will get the readings from the battery/cabels/starter this evening and report back. I have a 2003 SAN with the 330 in it.

Full history check on this boat:
Early last season engine was vapor locked. I pulled the starter during that process and checked it and all was good. Cleared water, changed oil, checked compression and boat ran well rest of season.

During this process I checked starter (before I knew it was vapor lock) and became rather familiar with the unit. Now I am fairly confident it is not ceased. The sound that I described is not coming from the starter, but somewhere else in line. My thoughts are it is the relay to kick the starter in.

More to come; and thanks a ton for the help!

[AirTool]

Have you run the engine at all this year? If it hasn't turned over. Maybe you need to turn the engine over by hand with long ratchet or flex handle....make sure the engine isn't ceased.

[mnwakerider]

Well it was simpler than I thought (thank god). The connection point to my terminal had cracked on the bottom. Found it by going step by step with the multimeter like you said. What made it hard was that when I would adjust it I would get one or two cranks but that would jar it and I would start all over. 3 bucks and some solder and I have a solid connection.

Thanks again for the help. It all resulted in my sons first boat ride on our lake.

[AirTool]

Well it was simpler than I thought (thank god). The connection point to my terminal had cracked on the bottom. Found it by going step by step with the multimeter like you said. What made it hard was that when I would adjust it I would get one or two cranks but that would jar it and I would start all over. 3 bucks and some solder and I have a solid connection.

Thanks again for the help. It all resulted in my sons first boat ride on our lake.

Awesome. Before you know it, you'll be taking these kind of pics.

[mnwakerider]

Great pics!