Catalina 350 International Association

My 350 ("Whisper II") is 15 months old; been in regular use except for past 2 months; today the engine refused to start (first time ever !); all I get is a rapid clicking sound from what appears to be a small square fitting on the rear of the motor - seems like some type of solenoid switch (?) and it seems wiring goes from there to the starter motor. Batteries are showing full charge - boat is on shore power at all times; seems something electrical; other suggestions include the starter motor might have "jammed" - suggestion is to give it a tap with a hammer ? - havn't tried that yet. When the key is first turned there seems to be one click from the starter motor and then the solenoid fitting starts clicking if you keep the key on; Any ideas - Tom - Sydney Australia

There is more info needed.
Does the engine crank at all?
I had a problem with a failed glow plug solenoid.
She cranks but is reluctant to start.

Your poblem sounds more like either bad electricity AC or DC or Battery:
or a bad starter motor.

-george

George, no cranking from the engine, just clicking; the glow plug buzzer sounds, as per normal when starting, but when you turn the ignition key to start all that I get is the clicking sound - which seems to be coming from a solenoid. The batteries all seem to be fully charged. I will do some more troubleshooting but can't seem to find an explanation. My mechanic is away for a few days, when I get to the bottom of it I will let you know. Regards, Tom, Sydney Australia

Make sure there is no water inside the engine (milky colored oil)

Check the batteries first. Even if they appear fully charged on the voltmeter, there may be a short which would show up under a heavy load such as starting the engine.
Dave G

I'll just add to the suggestions above: You are getting clicking because the circuit does not have enough amperage (not voltage) to complete.

Possibile reasons:
1) battery - fluid levels down or battery is just dead, boost with another battery
2) wiring - connections are corroded, take off battery terminals and clean them, remove grounds on engine, and clean, remove positive wire on starter and solenoid and clean (important: clean terminals with battery disconnected)
3) soleniod is shot - replace or remove and have serviced

If you unsure about any of the above, have a qualified technician come and diagnose and repair. Batteries are dangerous.

HTH,
R.B.

There is a red reset button on the back of the engine towards the top.

That should fix your problem.

Mike Caputo
350 #9