140 won't turn over

[Davlaws]

I have a 1985 mercruiser 140 that I just got. When I go to start it, all that happens is the starter kicks out but won't turn. I can manually turn the crank clockwise but not counter clockwise. Is there some type of safety device that could be stopping it from turning? It just doesn't make sense why it will only turn by hand one way and not the other. It has sat for quite some time.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Try removing the sparkplugs and see if any water comes out.<br /><br />When you say you can turn the crank by hand, what does that mean? Is it easy? Is it hard? What about not turning the other way? Does it "clunk" and then stop? Just won't turn at all?<br /><br />Lots of questions!<br /><br />It could be as simple as your battery is weak, or as major as the engine seized or rod broken, etc.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 won't turn over

When I go to start it, all that happens is the starter kicks out but won't turn.

That Sounds like a Starter,... Battery,.. Or Wiring Issue............

I can manually turn the crank clockwise but not counter clockwise.

That's the way it's Supposed to turn from the Front of the motor,......<br />There's Alot of "Stuff" that has to get going the other way,.. That Really Doesn't Want to turn Backwards.............<br />

Is there some type of safety device that could be stopping it from turning?

No........<br /><br />As Fishermark says,....... Too Little info provided by You,.... Makes Real Answers come very Hard.........<br /><br /><br />Btw,.......... Welcome to the forums here at iboats...........

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Most probably a weak battery as already mentionned above. Have you tried charging it?

 

[Davlaws]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Thank you for the welcome.<br /><br />I do have the plugs and and no water.<br /><br />When I am looking at the engine from the inside of the boat, It will turn clockwise with a socket with a little effort. It will not turn CCW at all. The plate on the engine says it is to run CCW.<br /><br />Might the outdrive stop it from turning CCW?<br /><br />Thank you for your help.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Originally posted by Davlaws:<br /> <br /><br />Might the outdrive stop it from turning CCW?<br /><br />

s'pose the vanes of the w/p impeller might put up enough fuss to make it tough to reverse direction... can't say as I've ever tried going backwards...

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 won't turn over

The plate on the engine says it is to run CCW.

That's As Viewed from the Working End,... Or the Flywheel..............<br /><br />You're looking at the Wrong End of the motor..........<br />

I do have the plugs and and no water.

What does That Mean,..????....<br />You have the Plugs,..???.... Where,.??<br />If you trying to start it WithOut water being fed to it,...... That's a Major Problem in itself.............

 

[Davlaws]

Re: 140 won't turn over

I'm sorry, I took the plugs out.<br />I am just trying to get it to turn over. <br />Will it hurt it to start it for a few seconds without water? <br />Thank you for getting me to the correct end of the motor.<br />I obviously know nothing of boats yet.<br /><br />Thank you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Will it hurt it to start it for a few seconds without water?

Even just Cranking it Over with the Starter,... Can,.. Might,.. Or Could Destroy the Waterpump Impeller that's mounted in the Outdrive.......<br /><br />If it Started,......... The Impeller is Smoked in a matter of Seconds............<br /><br />If this boat has been setting for awhile,.....<br />It Probably Needs an Impeller Now........

 

[Don S]

Re: 140 won't turn over

Since you know nothing of boats, I would suggest the first thing you do is get yourself some Mercruiser service manuals.<br />The engine manual for your '85 Mercruiser 140 is part number 90-14693.<br />There is another one for the outdrive, however, it's online.<br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf <br /><br />Regarding your start problem, is the starter just kicking out and you hear the starter run but the engine doesn't crank? Could be just the Bendix on the starter is bad.<br />Usually with a bad Bendix, if they fire once, the starter will kick out and the starter motor will run without cranking the engine.

 

[OCT3162]

Re: 140 won't turn over

HEY,<br /> I HAD THE SAME ISSUE BUT HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE. PULLED TOP COVER OFF TRANSON, FOUND GEARS BROKEN. PULLED DRIVE ASSY. OFF, ENGINE STARTED FINE & RUNNING, DON'T LET RUN TO LONG DUE TO NO WATER ENTERING ENGINE. HOPE THIS HELPED.