1980 Catalina 30 XP25 motor We have a starter solenoid problem, or a wiring problem. I have checked and cleaned all the connections and engine ground. When we push the start button some times we only get a clicking noise. Some times it starts. If I jump the solenoid it will start. Can anyone tell me if by jumping the solenoid that this eliminates the wiring or could the wiring still be the problem? Thanks, Chip
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Wiring
Ahoy Chip. Why don't you find out by disconnecting the hot lead coming from the ignition key from the post on the solenoid. Then run a temporary test wire that same solenoid post (ingnition key side) to the battery. If the solenoid performs noramlly when the solenoid is jumped direct to the battery then the starter should turn and the engine should start. This would prove the ingnition wiring and not the solenoid was to blame. Good Luck, Big Joe.
Ahoy Chip. Why don't you find out by disconnecting the hot lead coming from the ignition key from the post on the solenoid. Then run a temporary test wire that same solenoid post (ingnition key side) to the battery. If the solenoid performs noramlly when the solenoid is jumped direct to the battery then the starter should turn and the engine should start. This would prove the ingnition wiring and not the solenoid was to blame. Good Luck, Big Joe.
Start Button
I had a similar problem a year ago. Replaced start button @ $9.95 and about 10 minutes work and all is well. There was a thread at the time on this forum with this solution - it seems the start button sometimes has a (very) limited life span. good luck.
I had a similar problem a year ago. Replaced start button @ $9.95 and about 10 minutes work and all is well. There was a thread at the time on this forum with this solution - it seems the start button sometimes has a (very) limited life span. good luck.
Usually connections, not the wiring itself
also check the fuse and its fuseholder (hidden cleverly underneath the alternator) between the iginition siwtch and the starter solenoid.
also check the fuse and its fuseholder (hidden cleverly underneath the alternator) between the iginition siwtch and the starter solenoid.
OK I will go with a separate wire to the
battery test. The start button is original, we sent for a new hot plug button and the manufacture sent a new one for free. I have replaced the wiring connectors on the engine to gauges harness with busses and new terminal ends. I have replaced the engine ground and the bus at the batteries side. I have tested the batteries and they are good. The fuse is good. I have checked and rechecked the connections to ground all around. It still happens (get clicking) but not all the time. If it is clicking and I push the starter button several times eventually it will start (some times) but of course never when I really need it. Some times it starts right up. I have just started trying to jump the starter solenoid. It was clicking and I jumped the solenoid and it started right it.
battery test. The start button is original, we sent for a new hot plug button and the manufacture sent a new one for free. I have replaced the wiring connectors on the engine to gauges harness with busses and new terminal ends. I have replaced the engine ground and the bus at the batteries side. I have tested the batteries and they are good. The fuse is good. I have checked and rechecked the connections to ground all around. It still happens (get clicking) but not all the time. If it is clicking and I push the starter button several times eventually it will start (some times) but of course never when I really need it. Some times it starts right up. I have just started trying to jump the starter solenoid. It was clicking and I jumped the solenoid and it started right it.
Replace the Solenoid
I would replace the solenoid. I had similar issues with an outboard motor. Sometimes it would work and other times it would only click. Repetitive turns of the key would sometimes result in it starting. I checked all wires and strength of the battery nothing fixed it until I replaced the solenoid. They are typically not too expensive. -Ralph Catalina 350 "Wolfhelm"
I would replace the solenoid. I had similar issues with an outboard motor. Sometimes it would work and other times it would only click. Repetitive turns of the key would sometimes result in it starting. I checked all wires and strength of the battery nothing fixed it until I replaced the solenoid. They are typically not too expensive. -Ralph Catalina 350 "Wolfhelm"
Perhaps
it is the solenoid since there are heavy duty switch contacts that connect the battery to the starter when you turn the starter key or push the starter button. However, if sometimes your starter seems to turn over slow or makes a growling noise, then you should have the starter pulled and the electrical brushes checked by a qualified mechanic. The cost of new brushes, along with cleaning up the starter commutator(what the brushes contact to deliver power to the starter)is relatively small and will provide trouble free starter operation for years to come. Nothing more unsettling than to be between a rock and a hard place and the engine wont turn over. Good luck
it is the solenoid since there are heavy duty switch contacts that connect the battery to the starter when you turn the starter key or push the starter button. However, if sometimes your starter seems to turn over slow or makes a growling noise, then you should have the starter pulled and the electrical brushes checked by a qualified mechanic. The cost of new brushes, along with cleaning up the starter commutator(what the brushes contact to deliver power to the starter)is relatively small and will provide trouble free starter operation for years to come. Nothing more unsettling than to be between a rock and a hard place and the engine wont turn over. Good luck
Try the plug
There is a large pluge some place in bilge between the moter and the wet muffler that gos bad and needs to be cleaned i did not see mine untill it started to smoke .I like to check my wiring at night you can run the moter and look for sparks. John
There is a large pluge some place in bilge between the moter and the wet muffler that gos bad and needs to be cleaned i did not see mine untill it started to smoke .I like to check my wiring at night you can run the moter and look for sparks. John
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