Product Description
NOTES: Before replacing your starter, it is important to confirm the starter is the issue. All boats use a solenoid switch or relay to trigger the starter. We recommend replacing the solenoid or relay when changing the starter. This will help ensure trouble free operation.
Many starter issues are due to the above (solenoid/relay being bad) or loose, damaged, corroded power connections. Check all positive connections on the starter and switch, as well as the main grounds on the engine.
Starters are high load items and require all connections to be at their best. This includes your battery terminals (battery switch). A bad/loose/corroded battery connection can keep the starter from working properly, while still allowing your other power items to work. Removing the battery connections and cleaning should be done on a regular basis.
TESTING STARTER
Confirm starter operation by putting direct power to the starter.
This can be done with the starter mounted on the engine, or with the starter off the engine (Bench test) Starters are grounded via the block of the boat, and then have a main positive+ power wire which engages the motor.
NOTE: if you are testing on the engine – please ensure proper safety and ventilation – as putting power directly to a starter will result in an arc / spark which could be an explosion danger.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE OR TO BE SAFE: Remove the starter and Bench test. When bench testing ensure the starter is secure as the torque will cause the starter to try and move.
Some starters have just one large positive connection, others have a small trigger wire, and larger connection on a switch mounted on the starter. We provide power+ to the larger post which. When bench testing you will also need to provide ground to the case of the starter.
You are looking for the starter to engage the flywheel if still mounted- resulting in the engine turning over. OR if bench testing the starter Bendix to deploy and spin.
If the started does turn the engine over, or operates on the bench correctly, you need to troubleshoot before the starter to determine what is breaking down.