The last several times when I've gone to start the boat, I turn the key and get only a "click". Turn the key to start a few times, get more clicks, and then after a few tries it starts. Hoping it would be something simple, I installed a new ignition switch.....same thing happens. Thinking it might be the shift lever, I moved the shifter towards forward and reverse a little while keeping the key in the start position, no go. I checked battery and starter connections, and all seem ok. So thru process of elimination, I think it's the starter solenoid. Sound right ?

My question is, is the solenoid a "marine" part or can I just pick one up at an auto parts store ?

Thanks

If it were the shift lever, neutral saftey switch, you wouldn't get the click. The Merc solenoid is only around 20 bucks and seems to last longer than the aftermarket solenoids.

Thanks bowtie

you have one on the starter and the merc one up top ,did you clean the starter wires or just checked them out?

I checked wiring at the batterys and solenoid to be sure they are tight. There are no signs of corosion, everything looks real clean, so I did not disconnect and clean them. Where is the "merc one up top"? What would it be mounted to?

Thanks

just made the repair...
it's the slave solenoid attached to/near the large breaker over the fuel filter...it has 4 wires. 2 for the starter, 2 for other stuff....go on google,
http://www.outdriveshop.com/no_crank_condition.html ..this site will tell you about it....the merc replacement part is less than $25, and takes 30 minutes to put in
c

Thanks ChristianGott. And thanks again AIR TIME. I'll get out to the boat and double check connections to make sure they are clean. I'll check connections to the slave solenoid too...didn't even know there was one If wiring is clean and secure and I still have the click/starting problem, I'll replace the slave solenoid and see if that does it. If not, I'd guess the problem would be the solenoid on the starter.

Thanks again!

Here's a pic of the location of my solenoid.
I also had the intermittent starting/clicking problem. I replaced the solenoid and problem was solved.

Try jumping the slave solenoid before "assuming" it's the starter.
Take a pair of pliers, bare handles, and connect the two large connections on the slave solenoid with them. If the engine cranks consistantly replace the solenoid.
My 350 MAG was doing the same thing, salve solenoid was shot.

I gotta get to the boat after work and locate that slave solenoid. I don't even recall seeing it on the engine or anywhere under the hatch for that matter. In the last 4 years I've probably changed the oil 8-10 times, changed oil coolers 3 times, and in there all the time cleaning and checking for loose/damaged/missing parts. Can't believe I haven't even seen the damn thing. Man do I feel like a dumb-azz

Original engine in the boat was a 7.4 carb. Existing engine is a ZZ502/502 but all the wiring and ignition is from the 7.4. Fugger's gotta be there, right?

Thanks again