Starting issue - only clicks sometimes
 

Had 'er out this weekend, and the last 4-5 times I've been out, sometimes when the key is turned to start, all I can hear is a mild click from the engine area. Usually, on the 4th or 5th attempt, she starts right up.

Batteries are brand new and charged, and starter was new last year from the previous owner. Solenoid maybe?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jason

Neutral safety switch. Next time if you can get it too do it multiple times try moving shifter slightly.

Kinda already ruled that out 90%. I did that each time, but didn't seem to make any difference. When I started it this morning, I didn't move the lever at all, and it still started on the third attempt.

Plus, if it was the NSS, would you still hear a click from the motor compartment, or would it be silent? Not sure.

But, couldn't hurt to replace it. Also, is it part of the control quadrant? My Merc service manual just shows an item number at the control quadrant (but doesn't actually show it) and of course they just show what looks to be the Merc control. With Gaffrig individual controls it must be different.

Thanks!

Jason

No


Try cleaning your battery cable connections

maybe the starter is going bad!

Starter was new last year, but ya never know.

The NSS I can bypass with a wire for troubleshooting, so might try that.

Battery connections are clean, and when it does turn over, it's got lots of oomph, even on only one battery.

I might clean the batt, and starter connections too and Humiseal them.

pull your starter selenoid off and clean contacts, had the exact issue in the past and 5 min clean of contacts never did it again

Check the ground on the block. That is the problem I had once.

Prob none of the above.... Sounds like starter slave relay located on top of engine, usually near or under the mercathode box....these go bad and just make a clicking sound when you turn the key... They make a few different ones so get your eng serial # or bring it with you to the parts store.

I saw that in my service manual. Just replaced my trim pump down relay..... maybe it's relay season!

And my failed trim pump relay did the same, clicked, but no action.