The clicking you hear is the starter solenoid disk engaging and disengaging. this engine does have a timing chain and and it drives the camshaft. so if it runs once it starts the timing chain is still there. to check the timing chain, take the distributor cap off, turn your crankshaft engine rotation to tdc. then opposite engine rotation. measure how many degrees the engine turns before the distributor starts turning. that is the measurement of the slack in the timing chain. I would start by cleaning the battery cables. if that does not work check them for heat when cranking. If they are hot replace. if not try bypassing the key switch with a remote start switch. if that doesn't work load test the battery then have the starter tested.
Number one the 470 and 488 do not have timing chains or belts they are timing gears I think you have a problem with your starter solenoid or the other problem that the 470 and 488 had was head gasket pull your plugs out tune it over and see if you have any Prestone in Cylinders but in your case I highly doubt it starter solenoid bad starter
Turned out to be a starter or the solenoid, not sure because I changed both at once and the issue was resolved. I have since sold the boat and I'm told that it's still running great. Thanks for your input, though.
stater solenoid
definitely a starter/flywheel issue not a timing chain.
The clicking you hear is the starter solenoid disk engaging and disengaging. this engine does have a timing chain and and it drives the camshaft. so if it runs once it starts the timing chain is still there. to check the timing chain, take the distributor cap off, turn your crankshaft engine rotation to tdc. then opposite engine rotation. measure how many degrees the engine turns before the distributor starts turning. that is the measurement of the slack in the timing chain. I would start by cleaning the battery cables. if that does not work check them for heat when cranking. If they are hot replace. if not try bypassing the key switch with a remote start switch. if that doesn't work load test the battery then have the starter tested.
its your hold in winding change your solenoid before you have to change a fly wheel
Not timing chain. Starter or solenoid issue
kudos for trying to fix your boat. too bad you had to endure so many assholes by asking for help though.
Number one the 470 and 488 do not have timing chains or belts they are timing gears I think you have a problem with your starter solenoid or the other problem that the 470 and 488 had was head gasket pull your plugs out tune it over and see if you have any Prestone in Cylinders but in your case I highly doubt it starter solenoid bad starter
Turned out to be a starter or the solenoid, not sure because I changed both at once and the issue was resolved. I have since sold the boat and I'm told that it's still running great. Thanks for your input, though.
Wrong; the engines with the gears are the GM/Chevy 4-bangers not this Ford/MerCruiser Frankenstein monster.
These motors do have a chain.
merctr2 I have 3 470 here that say they have chains and a tensioner
They do have a timing chain get your starter fixed