Still trying to troubleshoot my starter solenoid issue. When turning the
key to start, the solenoid engages about 50% of the time, more when the
engine is warmed up. All connections are sound, clean & shiny. I've
already replaced the ignition switch, so that shouldn't be the issue.

In my limited experience with starter solenoids, they either work or they
don't...very little in between. Anyone have a similar experience with
starter solenoids, or can suggest where to check next?

This is on a 1999 Maxum with a 4.3L GM V6. I have heard/read that starters
and/or solenoids are notoriously bad on this model engine.

Thanks,
Mike

There may be a smaller solenoid between the one on the starter and the key.
You need to find out of that is the case or not.

Do you hear any clicking at all or nothing?

That's a chevy engine and it basically uses the same starter as the v8s.
There are millions of them and there is nothing different about your 1999
one.

There is an in between and that is usually that the solenoid engages but the
contacts it is closing are dirty, corroded, or pitted and do not make a good
connection.

If it is clicking then get someone to listen closely to the side of the
engine where the starter is. Make sure that the starter is where the
clicking is coming from. If it is then the contacts are probably dirty or
corroded. You can disassemble and clean the contacts or you could get a
replacement starter solenoid.


"Mike & Christine Salome" wrote in message
. ..
Still trying to troubleshoot my starter solenoid issue. When turning the
key to start, the solenoid engages about 50% of the time, more when the
engine is warmed up. All connections are sound, clean & shiny. I've
already replaced the ignition switch, so that shouldn't be the issue.

In my limited experience with starter solenoids, they either work or they
don't...very little in between. Anyone have a similar experience with
starter solenoids, or can suggest where to check next?

This is on a 1999 Maxum with a 4.3L GM V6. I have heard/read that starters
and/or solenoids are notoriously bad on this model engine.

Thanks,
Mike

I had a 74 Oldsmobile that the solenoid would fail occasionally. All you had
to do was remove the copper bolt (the one the battery hot wire attaches to)
that made contact with the copper washer inside the solenoid and rotate the
bolt 180 degrees to the unworn side, clean up the copper washer, put it back
together and you had a good as new solenoid for just a little labor and no
bucks spent. Course that was on one of those huge Delco-Remy starters with
the solenoid attached to the top of it.

Just thinking off the top of my head about things to check:

IMHO I don't even know if that would apply in your situation. Best bet would
be just to change the solenoid and see if the problem goes away; if not look
elsewhe (starter motor) maybe. Sounds like the starter motor has issues.

Check all electrical harness connections to ensure they are fully seated and
clipped together under the dash (I even used band ties on a couple of mine
that were coming loose.)

If all else fails take it to a reputable dealer to correct the problem.

Fredo

"Mike & Christine Salome" wrote in message
. ..
Still trying to troubleshoot my starter solenoid issue. When turning the
key to start, the solenoid engages about 50% of the time, more when the
engine is warmed up. All connections are sound, clean & shiny. I've
already replaced the ignition switch, so that shouldn't be the issue.

In my limited experience with starter solenoids, they either work or they
don't...very little in between. Anyone have a similar experience with
starter solenoids, or can suggest where to check next?

This is on a 1999 Maxum with a 4.3L GM V6. I have heard/read that starters
and/or solenoids are notoriously bad on this model engine.

Thanks,
Mike

FREDO wrote:
I had a 74 Oldsmobile that the solenoid would fail occasionally. All you had
to do was remove the copper bolt (the one the battery hot wire attaches to)
that made contact with the copper washer inside the solenoid and rotate the
bolt 180 degrees to the unworn side, clean up the copper washer, put it back
together and you had a good as new solenoid for just a little labor and no
bucks spent. Course that was on one of those huge Delco-Remy starters with
the solenoid attached to the top of it.

Just thinking off the top of my head about things to check:

IMHO I don't even know if that would apply in your situation. Best bet would
be just to change the solenoid and see if the problem goes away; if not look
elsewhe (starter motor) maybe. Sounds like the starter motor has issues.

Check all electrical harness connections to ensure they are fully seated and
clipped together under the dash (I even used band ties on a couple of mine
that were coming loose.)

If all else fails take it to a reputable dealer to correct the problem.

Fredo

"Mike & Christine Salome" wrote in message
. ..
Still trying to troubleshoot my starter solenoid issue. When turning the
key to start, the solenoid engages about 50% of the time, more when the
engine is warmed up. All connections are sound, clean & shiny. I've
already replaced the ignition switch, so that shouldn't be the issue.

In my limited experience with starter solenoids, they either work or they
don't...very little in between. Anyone have a similar experience with
starter solenoids, or can suggest where to check next?

This is on a 1999 Maxum with a 4.3L GM V6. I have heard/read that starters
and/or solenoids are notoriously bad on this model engine.

Thanks,
Mike




Your post offers a clue that could lead to a possible cause.

You say the solenoid engages more often when the engine is "warmed up."

Aha.

What sort of shape is your battery in? Could it be that "warming up"
the engine is also causing the alternator to raise the battery voltage?

Another thing to check is a neutral switch on your gearbox. These go
out sometimes and when they do the starter won't engage because it is
getting a message that your boat is still in gear.