JustAnswer
>
Boat
Ask A Question
|
Register
|
Login
|
Help
Boat
Ask a Boat Question, Get an Answer ASAP!
Have your own Boat question?
4 Marine Mechanics are Online Now
characters left:
Not a Boat Question?
Related Boat Topics:
Two
,
Runs
,
Test
,
Check
,
Cable
,
Start
,
Three
,
Wiring
,
Battery
,
Located
Question
Our sailboat, equipped with a 55 hp VW pathfinder that has been starting with out any problems. Now it only clicks when the start button is pushed. The battery is brand new so we know that is not the problem. What else should we check?
Submitted: 102 days and 14 hours ago.
Category: Boat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
+
Read More
Optional Information
Make (of engine): VW
Model (of engine): Pathfinder
Year: 1985
Horsepower: 55
Already Tried:
replaced battery, looked at solenoid, it does make a clicking sound when start button is depressed.
Posted by
Captain Dave
102 days and 14 hours ago.
Answer
Hello. There are three possibilities: bad wiring connection (most lilely), bad solinoid, or bad starter. You can test the starter by using a jumper cable to connect the battery + side directly to the starter terminal - if it runs then the starter is good. Next, try jumping across the two large terminals on the solinoid - sometimes the blade of a screwdriver can be used to do this. If the starter runs then you have a bad solinoid. If the first test works and the second doesn't (i.e., the starter runs when jumped from the battery but not when the solinoid is jumped) then the wiring from the battery to the solinoid is bad or there is a loose/dirty connection. Also, make sure the neagive battery cable (black) is also clean and tight on both ends - that cable can also cause the same problem, so check it first.
102 days and 14 hours ago.
Reply
can you tell me where the starter is located on the Pathfinder?
Accepted Answer
I don't know specifically, but if you follow the heavy red cable from the battery it should go to the solinoid, which is usually mounted on the starter. If not, there will be a second heavy cable from the solinoid to the starter. It's all pretty generic.
Expert:
Captain Dave
Pos. Feedback:
98.5 %
Accepts:
Answered:
8/12/2009
Marine Mechanic
USCG Licensed Captain, 20+ Years Boating, Fishing, Maintenance and Repair Experience
+
Read More
Related Boat Questions
I have a 80 hp Mercury outboard motor. About every 5th time
Can a 2008 ecm for a mercruiser 5.0 MPI be reprogrammed to
have 1996 Mercury 3hp engine serial #0A878839 with a bad co...
Are parts still available for 1992 4 cylinder stern drive?
I have a Yamaha F40TLRB 4 stroke, will idle ok but when i th...
Hello everyone. I just bought a used boat. 242 Formula. Ever...
I own a 2004 Stingray 240CS. 305 mpfi 260 hp with 170 hours...
I have a rinkerbuilt with a Ford 302. It needed a new alter...