Trouble starting engine
 

I have a 01 X star and the last couple times out have been having trouble with starting the engine. Between riders when we shut it off we are unable to start it back up on the first try. The battery is good, when we turn the key all power comes on and there is just a clicking sound from the engine. It takes about 10-15 tries to get it going again. Some times it will start right up. I was thinking it might be a bad starter, but I am not sure. Any ideas?

thanks

is it multiple clicks? or just single long clicks?

Sounds like a bad connection or starter issue.

It is just a single click. If it is the starter is it a simple fix or would I have to bring it into a shop?

Dan, stick your head down by the motor and have someone try and start the boat. You will want to be near the starter, so follow the Power wire from the battery which should go directly to the starter. Listen to hear if it is just clicking (not engaging). If that is the case I would start there with replacing the starter. Pretty simple to do so. should be 2-4 bolts holding it in and the power wire to it. Just unhook the battery and then remove and replace with a new one. GL

Single click sounds like it is most likely the starter. East fix.

Before replacing the starter check the starter cable connections at the battery, the positive to the back of the starter and the negative to the block. If there is any corrosion on any of the connections take off and clean up with a wire brush. You could also check your ignition wire but it sounds like that is working if you are getting the click. The click could either be coming from the remotely mounted starter relay or the actual starter solenoid.

Ok I will give it a shot. thanks guys

Figure it out?

I had to replace the starter on my '00 MariStar w/ the 5.7 LTR and they were pretty expensive everywhere. I ended up getting this one for super cheap which has worked well for the last 25 hrs or so with lots of starts:
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-2232-n...0253-6792.aspx

It was delivered in 2 days, claims to be ignition protected and hasn't blown my boat up.

If it's possible, hit the starter with a wrench or the like before and during starting.

There is a 99% chance that is a cheap Chinese knock off unit of the Delco PG260 starter. Will it work? Probably. Will it last, maybe? They probably say it is built to marine specs but there is almost no way that starter is SAE J1170 certified or UL coast guard approved. All that being said. For $55 it isn't a bad deal.

If you do replace the starter the current genuine Delco is 9000884. The Wilson rebuilt unit(NAPA) is 91-01-4388(coast gaurd approved) or 71-01-6792(marine). The lester number is 6792.

It's definitely Chinese as it was stated right on the starter. It had that Harbor Freight trademark odor too. FWIW there's a sticker on it that says "Ignition Protected" and cites some standard number that I don't remember. The Chinese would never falsely label something to save a few cents per unit would they? ;)

Based on my experience over the last year and probably 200+ starts I'd probably buy it again if nothing else as just a spare. If it fails soon I'd buy an "American" starter as the primary though. For $55 and as failure prone as even the best starters are it's worth having stashed in the garage/truck ready to "save the weekend" if necessary.