starting trouble on the lake

[stuttgart]

ok so we're out on the lake for about 20 min cruising to a cove then we shut the engine down for about a minute or two, when the driver starts the engine it sounds like it stuggles for a sec then turns over and starts. We ski for a while, then shut it down for a about 30 minutes. When it comes time to start her up again, click, click, nothing. I could hear the bendix on the starter engaging every time i turned the key but it wouldn't even crank. Guage was showing 11-12 volts. I'm picking up a new battery on the way home from work tomorrow, but I was wondering if it isn't the starter or the solenoid.

Does anyone have a schematic of the electrical system on a 96 prostar 205? i want to know this thing like the back of my hand

Also, there is a relay or something next to the battery, two main leads go to batt. pos and neg(see attached image) what is this and what does it do? there are absolutely no markings on it.

Thanks guys, this place is great!

[milkmania]

dang, I just knew you went after one of those jet skiers finally.....lol


hence
"starting trouble at the lake"

[erkoehler]

I am willing to bet that your battery is just shot. ICBW so keep up posted

[#47of100TeamMC]

You are holding your solenoid... You can arc a screwdriver over the 2 posts and it's the same as turning the key. (except you get cool little sparks!) 9 times outta 10 if you get the clicking it's a weak battery. Have it load tested where you purchase your new one. Then you'll know for sure. But I'll bet it's just weak and can't take the load anymore.

[michael freeman]

Originally Posted by milkmania

dang, I just knew you went after one of those jet skiers finally.....lol


hence
"starting trouble at the lake"

I thought the same thing. I was expecting a story of adventure and intrigue, followed by legal advice.

[stuttgart]

Originally Posted by #47of100TeamMC

You are holding your solenoid... You can arc a screwdriver over the 2 posts and it's the same as turning the key. (except you get cool little sparks!) 9 times outta 10 if you get the clicking it's a weak battery. Have it load tested where you purchase your new one. Then you'll know for sure. But I'll bet it's just weak and can't take the load anymore.

Ok thanks, thats what I thought (i tried to short it) but I was confused b/c there looks like there is a solenoid on the starter as well. Where can I buy a spare solenoid and a spare starter, are those dealer only items or can I get them at an autoparts store???

I have a spare impeller and all the tools on board I would need, but are there other spare engine or electrical parts that I should carry???

Thanks guys!

[Diesel]

What year is your boat and what engine? That is not your starter solenoid. It looks like a 50amp dual battery relay/lawn mower starter solenoid. They are sold by a few car audio manufactures and are completely inadequate for our usage.

Where do those two wires go?? I assume one is to the battery but where does the other go?? If it is to the starter it could be the cause of your problems since it will only hold around 100-150 amps.

Give me some more info and we can probably solve the problem.......

[Workin' 4 Toys]

Post a picture of your starter.

[AirJunky]

No clue what that thing is, but it doesn't look like stock MC.
But the problem itself sounds like bad battery connections. I had a similar problem on my 94 a while back & replaced the crap connectors with some nicer ones from a high end stereo shop. Now the motor spins way faster & the battery never seems to fail, even after sitting all winter.

[EricB]

Stuttgart;
Start at the battery - using a DVOM (Digital Voltmeter), place the negative lead onto the battery negative post, and the positive on the positive post (not the cable clamps, the POSTS). If the DVOM (set on Volts) reads 12.4 v. or better, turn the key on. Turn to start. If battery voltage drops to 7 or 6 v., then battery is junk. If voltage stays high, you most likely have a bad connection or possibly a solenoid/starter issue. Let us know what the test results are, then we can direct you further.