BBC starters
 

The marina installed 2 new starters for me before installing the engines. Good plan on the surface. Pain to get to later. There wasn't anything wrong with the others just supposed to be smart money spent while it's easy to do. So about 3 weekends into this season the port started giving me some trouble. Was hit or miss on starting. I would hit the key several times (you could hear the relay working) and finally it would start. Then at the end of the season the starboard is doing the exact same thing. I don't know if everyone has a remote relay but I replaced the one on the port right away and it didn't fix the problem. Wondering what the chances are that both starters are bad? I have the exhaust off of both engines which makes the job of replacement possible however wondering if there is something else to check. All of the connections are tight. Thanks for your comments

Do you know what brand the starters are? OEM? Arco? Sierra? API?

Looks like Arco
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d0ba2bb982.jpg

Did you check eng ground connections? They often get overlooked. If that's all good, I'd check the voltage at the solenoid (use eng as ground reference) and voltage drop across the ign switches and neutral safety switches when attempting to crank engs. Unlikely two Arco starters would die at the same time.

Had a similar issue, would hear a click but intermittent starting. Was the solonoid on the starter itself, contacts were worn, new starter and haven't had an issue since

Mine was several years old, though, so it's strange that both of yours are having issues

Mine was key switch

CheckmateScarab,

Same, only I just had the solenoid replaced. Been golden ever since.

Thanks. Brad.

Ill check the ground connections but im pretty sure they are good. If the solenoids are working (clicking) when i turn the key that means the ignition switches are good?

I’ve had trouble with both of my top-side relays. I’d tap them and they’d work. The solenoid on the starter is probably fine.

Start with easy/cheap first.

With that said… double check grounds, too.