starter only clicks

[GregBR549]

Nothing is connected to that stud.

[GregBR549]

I did some more troubleshooting this weekend. I have come to the conclusion it is the solenoid on the starter. The solenoid on the back of the engine was working. Can I buy just the solenoid? The one that is attached to the starter? If so, where is a good place to order it?
thanks for any help,
Greg

[JimN]

Originally Posted by GregBR549

Jibber,
I have the same solonoid that you have in the pic. How do I get it apart? I got it off the starter, but I can't figure out how to get it apart.
thanks,
Greg

You don't/can't disassemble it.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by GregBR549

I did some more troubleshooting this weekend. I have come to the conclusion it is the solenoid on the starter. The solenoid on the back of the engine was working. Can I buy just the solenoid? The one that is attached to the starter? If so, where is a good place to order it?
thanks for any help,
Greg

You can buy the solenoid separately, but in a marine application, you're better off buying a direct replacement starter a remanufactured one.

The main reasons starters fail are:

Not being lubricated annually.
Cranking while the battery is dying/cranking until it's stone dead.

[MikeyOrange88]

In addition to Jim's list I would add:
Age.
Gee, It's twenty years old, it's an electrical device in a marine environment.
Buy a new starter, it's time. Arco gear reduction type starter is about $120.

[sixysixss]

As others have said, your problem is likely the solenoid. There is a copper disc inside that rotates when you turn the ignition. It causes the solenoid to engage. Over time, the copper burns and therefore doesn't engage. Click it enough times, and it may ultimately find a clean spot and start the motor. There was a time when you could open the solenoid and just flip that copper disc over. Most solenoids now, however, are not serviceable.