2005 Yamaha F150. Let the motor idle yesterday while I was backing the trailer in at Wappo Cut to pull it after a few hours on the water incident free. When I got back in the boat and put it in gear to go forward, the motor died. When I attempted to start it, I heard a single click. Tried a few other times, same results, one click coming from the engine.
I charged the battery overnight and attempted starting this morning, one click. I checked for corrosion and tight connections from battery to Perko switch to Engine connnections including the relay. No detected issues with connections or corrosion. Put the multimeter right on the connections at the solenoid and read just over 12v.
Far from a mechanic, but I like to DIY what I can. I have no problem paying a professional when necessary. I am between replacing the starter/solenoid, and taking it to a mechanic. Any other recommendations to trouble shoot before I throw in the towel? Thanks guys.
I did check the kill switch. Not offended that you asked though. I have spent hours before attempting to diagnose only to learn by 5 year old pulled the kill switch. I continued my research and learned that just because a battery reads fine on a multi meter, does not mean its not defective. Instead of buying a load tester, I jumped the boat battery from my Jeep and it started. Replacing battery now. This is probably obvious to most on here, but figured I’d pass my experience on for the next novice marine DIYer.
Sometimes your main power line from the battery (or selector switch) to the starter will get corrosion inside of it. Terminals and connectors will be fine and clean on both ends. The couple times it happened to me it’s the same symptoms as a discharged or weak battery. Everything fully charged and clean, but eithe the starter will drag like a really weak battery, of just click click click
Maybe Larry or some of the guys that are a whole lot smarter than me have a different opinion but when I charge I target a minimum of about 13V or higher anything less than 12.5 or so would still run electronics but starting is dicey I actually set my low battery alarm at 12.5V might be considered conservative but…
run a set of jumper cables from the battery straight to your starter solenoid and try again, but if a Yamaha f 150 shut off when you put it in gear, you have other issues besides the starter.
