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05-08-2015, 10:05
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Boat: Endurance 35
Posts: 109
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Possible starter motor issues
Hi, we seem to have an issue, on occasions (more than often) we go to start the engine and all we get is a Click sound and a engine refuses to turn over as if the battery is flat, which is isn't, then she slowly turns and then fires up.. Any suggestion as to the cause would be greatly appreciated...
Julian
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05-08-2015, 10:15
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Houston
Boat: Beneteau Sense 46
Posts: 360
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
Sounds like corrosion around battery cables, starter cables, ignition switch contacts. Start with battery cables and work till you find it. sometimes feel around these areas you will find the culprit to be hotter because of increased resistance under load.
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05-08-2015, 10:37
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,480
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
I agree, most likely an issue upstream of the starter. In addition, a starter solenoid with damaged/corroded contacts can cause similar symptoms.
Don't forget to load test the battery too.
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05-08-2015, 10:43
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#4
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
If you are getting the click when you turn the key then the solenoid is engaging but the hi amp contacts in the solenoid could be bad or, as previous answer, loose or corroded cables from battery to the starter.
Since it is cheap, quick and easy I would first recommend checking all the cables from battery to starter for tight connection, corrosion, etc. Don't forget to check both sides, + and - ground cables.
If that isn't the problem have you tried or do you know how to jump the starter directly from the battery? If that sounds like Greek to you then might be time to call a pro and spend some money.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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05-08-2015, 10:53
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,477
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
I would start there also. Clean all cable ends. Especially watch for the ground to the engine block which is often poor contact anyway.. or oily.
Your symptoms indicate not enough voltage getting to the starter to turn it. Although that may not be the only potential issue.
Do you know how to jump the starter into action with a screwdriver? That will help tell you if the cables are not it.
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard
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05-08-2015, 11:56
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Oro Bay Puget Sound
Boat: Irwin sloop
Posts: 407
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
I've had to deal with the same problem. The culprit was a poorly crimped cable terminal on the starter ground cable. Others have mentioned the problem area will get warm, it does get warm enough to smoke sometimes so take care if you must feel terminals you cant see. You are on the right track though.
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05-08-2015, 13:13
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,778
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
I had this issue on my Harley, about 2 weeks ago, it was a bugger to figure out. It turned out one of the battery connectors was touching the frame. I agree, bad connection or a short. It might be more obvious than you think. Start with putting a wrench on your battery connections and tighten them up a little.
Sent from my XP7700 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
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11-08-2015, 04:23
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Boat: Endurance 35
Posts: 109
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
Hi, thanks for all your advice, I love it when things are so simple to fix, it turned out to be a slightly loose connection the the battery terminal, but I cleaned all the contacts on both the starter motor and all other connections and it's now working just fine.....
Thanks again to all of you x
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11-08-2015, 05:17
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#9
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
Congratulations and thanks for letting us know how it worked out. Always curious to find out the results.
Comes back to the basic rules of fixing stuff. Always try the obvious and easy solutions first. In electrical, especially on a boat, that means check for loose or corroded connections. 98.473% of the time that will solve the problem.
The other 1.527% of the time an electrical problem is because smoke leaked out of a part.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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11-08-2015, 06:30
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,778
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Re: Possible starter motor issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianGullsway
Hi, thanks for all your advice, I love it when things are so simple to fix, it turned out to be a slightly loose connection the the battery terminal, but I cleaned all the contacts on both the starter motor and all other connections and it's now working just fine.....
Thanks again to all of you x
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Awesome. I think its neet when cf members can accurately diagnose a guys problem and help him get it fixed without him dropping $300 on a mechanic. Good stuff.
Sent from my XP7700 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
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