Summerization/possible electrical problem?

[motoracer98]

Hello everyone. I own a 2001 2100V, and have fairly modest mechanical experience, so I'm hoping maybe someone can give me some ideas. Last fall I had my boat winterized by a local mechanic. At that time I had all the fluids replaced & all necessary service work done so that I wouldn't have to do it in the spring. I was told that in the spring I can just hook up the batteries, put the plug in, burn off the fogging oil and be all set. I tried to do this today, and hear only clicking when I turn the key. The starter isn't turning over at all, and sounds like a dead battery. I thought my batteries may be bad, so I bought two new ones since they were 5 yrs old anyway. This yielded no change-still nothing but clicking. I tried taking all the accessories off the battery, with no change noted. The terminals are clean, and the wiring into the solenoid is tight. The shop that winterized my boat appears to have moved or gone out of business, and I cannot reach them via phone. Just curious if anyone may have any thoughts or anything I should check? I'm wondering if I may have missed something in the summerization process, or if the starter may be bad? I'm hoping that I'm overlooking something easy, since my boat ran perfectly when I took it in for winterization. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[chpthril]

Sounds like the starter has rusted/frozen up.

[mls6722]

If you have a merc engine the problem is likely a relay between your ignition switch and starter. That relay is likely mounted on top of the engine with a plastic cover.

It will look like the part at this link

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...art=71243&BASE

You can test this part by connecting the two larger terminals together see if the engine will turn over. If the starter turns over with the terminals jumped and you only get a click with the ignition switch, this relay needs to be replaced.

[Jloflin420]

I had the same problem Saturday, Chpthril's magical touch fixed mine Not sure if it was the Neutral position on the throttle or the starter was seized a little and broke free. Try tapping the starter to help break it free, def sounds like either the starter or relay.

[motoracer98]

Awesome, I really appreciate the advice! Ill look into the starter and that relay as possible culprits this afternoon. Thanks!

[IDBoating]

Do you have an in-dash voltmeter? Or a handheld meter? Check the voltage across the starter battery with the key in the off position, and then again when you're trying to start the engine. You should see a noticeable drop in voltage when the key is in the start position. If you don't, there is no current flowing through the starter. That could be caused by the aforementioned relay, an open starter winding, a bad keyswitch, a loose wire, etc.

[motoracer98]

I got a hold of a voltmeter, and narrowed it down to the starter. A new one is on order, and hopefully I'll be ready to hit the water in a few days. Thanks for the insight everyone, your advice is much appreciated!