Starting Issue - Solenoid?

TheKommandant · 27 July 2013, 17:14

I have an intermittent issue on my Outboard. It's a 2000ish 60 Mariner 2 stroke.

Sometimes on turning the key nothing happens, there is an audible click from the starter solenoid but no attempt whatsoever to turn over.

After some swearing and lots of attempts it will eventually do something and start the engine.

It comes and goes but it happens pretty frequently and is a bit disconcerting when out if I ever switch the engine off!

What is the likelihood of it being the solenoid itself? Is it worth replacing it do you think?

Festinghouse · 27 July 2013, 18:40

very likely - the clicking noise is the electro magnet working the plunger onto the contacts - these contacts get burned out and thats what fails.

millplus · 27 July 2013, 19:20

check the battery end and the stater motor end of the big power cables , i had the same prob, solenoid kept clicking , i took it apart cleaned all contacts ,put it back together and it was just the same ,it was then i noticed the live cable at the battery was getting very warm , i put new crimped eyes on all and its worked perfik ever since ,,,,,,,,,

TheKommandant · 27 July 2013, 19:39

Cheers, ive ordered a solenoid so ill bung it on and check the cables while im there.

Tim M · 27 July 2013, 19:48

Very likely the solenoid

Pedrode · 27 July 2013, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by millplus

check the battery end and the stater motor end of the big power cables , i had the same prob, solenoid kept clicking , i took it apart cleaned all contacts ,put it back together and it was just the same ,it was then i noticed the live cable at the battery was getting very warm , i put new crimped eyes on all and its worked perfik ever since ,,,,,,,,,

I had exactly the same thing - with the same result. And it was on a 60hp Mariner - albeit the problem was at the battery end not on the engine.

TheKommandant · 29 July 2013, 09:24

So I've enlisted the help of my friend who used to be a marine engineer but moved onto engine recon because he hated working on boats

We are going to replace the solenoid this week and check out the wiring and terminals with a view to replacing if they look crap.

Quite looking forward to getting it fixed as this will pretty much be the last little gremlin I have on the boat since purchase.

TheKommandant · 02 August 2013, 09:54

It was the solenoid, replaced all working fine. I'm a happy human!

Hopefully the weather improves for the weekend.