I have a separate starter solenoid mounted just above the flywheel on my 454 and I'm just getting a click from it when I turn the key. No juice to the starter. Is most likely just a dead solenoid? Maybe no ground? Also what is the point of this as opposed to the solenoid mounted on the starter?
Could be any of those things.
Here's a link to thread that tells you more about what they're for. (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129856)