I started having start problems with my 2008 PD. When I turn the key, sometimes it starts fine. Some times it only clicks at the starter for six or seven tries - and then it starts fine. When it does roll over it rolls strong so I don't think it is my battery. I checked all the connections I could find at starter and keyswitch. Does this sound like a solenoid problem or something else?

Take it off and clean it the best you can and all the connections. If you still have an issue replace the starter. Sometimes it can be something simple like a bad connection.

Also check the connections at the battery. The neg. is usually the culprit. Make sure they are clean and tight.

Greg, Are you running a center console or stick? I have the same issue with my cc.

It is a side console. I did consider that it might be one of the clutch switches. At least once it turned over after I cycled the clutch switch. But not every time.

Greg,

According to Peck, the thickness of da positive(red) wire from the key switch to the starter is too small and does not provide enough power to kick over the starter. He told me to double the size of the wire or run another wire the same size from the key switch to the starter. Since my boat is not at my house, I have not taken the time to fix it. I just turn the key enough times to start it. My wire man is supposed to provide the ticker wire fo me, but he needs a reminder.

hotdog

So I guess the theory is that the wire degraded. OK thanks. I'll give it a try and let you know how it works out. While I am at it, I'll re-clean those connections. Thanks guys.

Not degraded, but the wire originally installed from the switch to the starter is not thick enough at extended length to provide enough current to bump the starter. Of course I am not an electrician.

Good luck,

You should have about a 12 or 14 gauge wire for the current the 12v draws. 12v draws more than 110. Just a fun fact...

I can't find the amp draw for the starter on my 27 Kohler anywhere. I looked through the owner's manual and service manual. If it gave the amp draw you could calculate voltage drop over whatever distance the wire runs and determine what size wire you need. For good prices on marine electrical stuff check out http://stores.ebay.com/genuinedealz I've been using them for years for electrical junk for my big boat. They have the best prices going and great customer service also.

Nathan

might want to take a look at the cable from battery to starter,i noticed the other day on mine it had wore a hole in the cable were it was laying on the boat.

I am not an electrician either. But, I replaced my hydraulic trim reservoir and to do that I took apart the electrical connections (really poorly connected). After I put the pump back on, I crimped the new connections and shrink wrapped them. After that, the starter is working fine (so far). I have started it 7 or 8 times with no problem at all. The only thing I can figure is that a poor connection (ground?) to the hyrdaulic pump caused a grounding problem with the starter as well? Does this make sense to anybody???

I've having the same problems with my 36PD side console.. I cleaned all the wires on the ign switch and it worked great all day then started acting up again the next.

Yeah. Mine is a side console too. I guess it makes sense that the wire could be undersized to run the length it does. When the battery is fully charged there is no problem. But, if any connection gets dirty or the battery is starting to weaken, then you have problems. I ran the boat all last weekend with no issues at all. I didn't do anything but charge the battery prior to the weekend. Go figure.

I am having this problem now, and I am seeing two different recommendations for the proper gauge wire to use. Any thoughts?