ourmotleycrue wrote:
Hi Guys, my boat will start maybe 50 percent of the time. When I turn the key I get nothing/engine wont turn, then other times she will start right up? When it dosen't start I hear a click and a noise for 3 seconds or so, but engine wont turn.....batteries are brand new, lights, radio, etc work with no problems so i know its not the battery, cleaned the terminals just to double check. The boat has been running good for a while so I am not sure what the problem is now......any help would be great....
Year and model of boat and engine type?
Battery cables can corrode internally making them do a poor job of handling the considerable cranking amps needed by the starter.
Did you remove, clean and re-tighten the cables at just the battery posts? Or did you do it at the starter too? Both ends are just as likely to get loose and/or corrode. So both need the same service. And remember that electrical circuits have both a positive AND a negative connection. Don't forget to check the whole circuit.
What "noise" for 3 seconds? From where? The starter on the engine or from somewhere else? Open the hatch and listen while someone else is helping turn the key. While staying clear of the belts, of course.
But then it's just as possible it's the starter itself starting to go. The one on my Jeep was marginal for a couple of months. Eventually just smoked. I'd get clicks, slooooow cranks and the one day it just went poof.