Marine Power engine starting problems

new boat · 08-06-2001, 08:58 PM

I have a Marine Powere 454 Chevy in my 23' Thunderjet. Have had repeated problems with the starter, solenoid and coil. Replaced the starter, solenoid (twice) and the coil, all under warranty thankfully. Still, sometimes when the key is turned, just a click is heard. If the key is turned again a couple times, the engine starts normally. Needless to say, the two times I have had this boat in the ocean, we have not turned of the big motor. "Squeek" in Beavercreek OR is the Marine Power warranty guy I have been using and he seems to know his stuff. Says these engines are hard on solenoids and the warranty will not pay for an aftermarket solenoid at about $60 that is a better product. Says the factory solenoids are a piece of s..t. Tonight, I took the boat to the water to make sure it would start for a later in the week fishing adventure and true to form, click, click, click start. The engine would start 4 our of 5 times on the first attempt after that. Check all the connections, they were tight, but when I pulled the cover off the engine, (I have a rear platform) I noticed the engine was quite damp even though the boat has sat for two weeks under cover. Took the WD40 to the solenoid and the boat started every time. Maybe it is just a moisture problem and I need to store the boat with the cover off the engine. Has anyone else had this problem and how did they cure it??? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

DK · 08-07-2001, 07:56 AM

proudtjdriver, look in to the high heat starter set up i know chevrolet makes one the windings are a lot stouter and are a lot better kept burning up starters also went to the high heat starter no more problems, doug

FM2 · 08-07-2001, 08:03 AM

I had the same problem with my NW Jet boat. Turned out the solenoid and starter are very sensitive to moisture, especially salt water. I would usually have a small amount of water in the bilge after each trip and when I completed my trip and got home I would rinse the bilge with fresh water. I replaced the starter/solenoid with a high quality marine set up and after each washing I would always keep the engine cover partially open to prevent any moisture build up. This worked for me and I never had the problem again.

Good Luck