225 starting problems slow turning

[FAV453]

1998 225 ocean runner twin set up <br />On the Port motor starter running bendix gear engaging but not turning flywheel more than a quarter turn. Repeated key turns flywheel turns less and less. Ran through the Johnson manual troubleshooting the starter circuit and came up with a bad solenoid (low voltage out of solenoid with key on).<br />Replaced solenoid. Motor started faster than ever before (just touched the key on). Shut it down then restarted just fine. Then I ran 10 minutes at low speed to a gas dock and shut it down but same problem as before solenoid was replaced. Help!

 

[farginicehole]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

These motors have separate cranking batteries, right? Have you tried it with the starboard motor's battery?

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

I am pretty sure the battery is good. I tried it with its battery, its battery with a jump box and have set the switches to both batteries and I get the same results. When I got it to start with the new solenoid it was with its dedicated battery only and like I said it started fast.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

Have you tried swapping starters?

 

[farginicehole]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

So now you have low voltage out of this new solenoid just like with the old one you replaced? I'm sure you're going to get some help soon from folks with a lot more knowledge on this subject than me. I just wonder if, while running, something is quickly draining your battery way down?

 

[farginicehole]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

Ahhh, see? Dhadley beat me to the last post. Now you're in good hands!

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

No, I have not tried to swap starters I will try that. The other thing is that when the bendix pops up into the flywheel on trying to start it doesn't pop down after the key is released.

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

Ok update. So I went down to the boat today and just for kicks I tried to start the motor. Yeah you guessed it it fired right up. I now believe the charge was low on the battery coupled with a possible intermitant solenoid (or contact to the solenoid). So the battery tested out fine (load tested at an auto parts store). It is however atleast 3 years old and could be older so I got a starting battery (630 MCA) from BPS on sale for $44. I hope it doesn't repeat the trick.

 

[FAV453]

Re: 225 starting problems slow turning

New update new battery installed. Same problem. This time took off the neg battery stud on engine. The tapped hole was stripped and there was alot of debris. I cleaned it out and reinstalled and it fired up fine. What causes the stud to do this and how to avoid additional problems? I was thinking I could fix it by installing a locking helicoil.