Won’t start,

[Uboatcdr]

My son just called and ran his boat out of gas. Got a tow to get fuel and not it won’t start, just clicks once.242 bayliner with a mercruiser. Any thoughts. He is 30 miles from his trailer.

 

[Airstream345]

So it's a a solenoid click but no rotation? What's the voltage?

 

[healhustler]

The first thing I’d say is to make sure it really did run out of gas, or did the alternator crap out and drain the battery dead. The fact that it clicks is something. Twist the battery cables and both ends to starter solenoid and ground bolt. Then hammer starter to make sure bendix drive is engaging, then turn engine by hand or pry bar at flywheel to ensure bendix is engaging flywheel teeth. Wiggle or twist positive ignition wire on solenoid to ensure contact. Cross positive ignition terminal and main hot wire to starter with screwdriver to bypass ignition and wiring to engage starter. Make sure NO gasoline fumes are in engine space when you do this. Battery must have enough charge for anything to happen. If still nothing, charge battery. Hope this helps.

 

[Uboatcdr]

He did run out of gas, but got towed in and got 20 gallons.

 

[Uboatcdr]

Thanks

 

[High Wire]

Any competent local mechanic should be able to diagnose this on the spot in short order. Trying to do this in a forum is not going to work.

 

[Uboatcdr]

Thanks, was the starter.