2005 226 Air Nautique no start

[Jspman13]

I have a head scratcher. My boat (2005 Air Nautique Air 226) was winterized for the winter. All I have done is changed the impeller and oil. I went to start it for the season and all I get is the starting relay clicking, nothing else. I assumed since batteries aren't what they used to be I would grab 2 new ones and life would be good. Not the case. Installed them both with same results. I used a test light and checked that all the positive cables comin from battery selector switch and all were hot. A couple times the starter sounded weak so I just finished standing on my head and replaced the starter. Again same results of the relay click only. I also checked all the grounds and they seem to be fine. All fuses seem to be fine as well, however I was trying to find a fuseable link and cant locate it thinking it could be and issue? Also no issue with kill switch or throttle location. I have a little worry the engine is locked but really hoping I am missing something electrically. Any suggestions would be great and thanks for your time.

[NautiqueJeff]

With the starter being replaced, I am a little worried about the engine too. If this was a Ford engine, there would be a secondary relay that is known to fail, but on a GM engine, that's not the case. Have you tried turning the engine over by hand? You might try pulling the spark plugs and see if any water comes out of the cylinders. It almost sounds like it may be hydrolocked.

How was the winterization performed? Was antifreeze forced into the engine or anything?

How does the oil look on the dipstick? Any water contamination there?

[jpwhit]

Have you measured the voltage where the large red wire attaches to the starter? Measure it both when the starter isn't engaged and when you're trying to start the engine. It should be very close to the battery voltage when the starter isn't engaged. When the starter is engaged, if it drops very low such as 2V or below. You have a bad wire or connection somewhere. If it drops to somewhere between 6V - 9V range. Then the engine is resisting rotation and the starter is stalled.

For these measurements, attach the black meter probe to something metal on the starter's body.

If you get a low reading with the starter engaged, then move the black probe to the battery negative terminal. If you get a higher voltage with the probe attached there, then you have a bad ground connection somewhere.

[Jspman13]

Jeff it was ran with antifreeze fed into the system from the suction. I am going to take
off work tomorrow and start removing plugs to see what I can do. The shop doesn’t freeze but always winterize anyway. I had just a second to see if I could turn and it’s pretty hard.

JPwhit I will get some help and check voltage. Most times I’m working alone which doesn’t help. Thanks guys I will let you know. I did replace the 3 relays on the engine, you know hoping for the best and no change

[jpwhit]

Meter leads with alligator clips on the end can make it a one person job. Or sometime I just use these and clip one end to the meter probes and the other end to what I want to measure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C33LY96B...efix=test&th=1

[Jspman13]

Gentlemen thanks for the help. Here is where we are now. I found a ground a little loose and you cant but barley get to it. I loosened it off and brushed the best I could on the starboard side of the engine. I went ahead and sprayed a little bit of battery post cleaner on it and cleaned it off. Jeff, the motor was certainly locked up. I could not move it so I pulled all plugs and it freed up. with plugs out I prayed and hit start and we turned over. I am going to go buy new plugs and put everything back together and go to the ramp. Again thanks and ill let you guys know if we are finished with this experience.

[Jspman13]

Just put her all back together and ran like a champ! thanks gentlemen

[NautiqueJeff]

Glad to hear it. These engines are tough. I have saved more than a handful that were completely full of water.