470 Not Cranking (yes another one)

[rbarnesjr@nc.rr.com]

My father purchased a project boat for us to work on in October. We worked on it 2 nights and had it running although it only ran on 1 or 2 cylinders. He passed away from cancer on March 7th and now my mother want's the boat fixed or out of her yard. My father was a mechaninc all his life and he was the one I always ran to when i couldn't figure out something automotive or boat related. I am honestly having a hard time with this, emotionally and physically, but I finally decided to take the bull by the horns and fix it. <br /><br />I have checked for fire, fuel and compression. I have checked the timing 4 times to make sure that it wasn't 180 degrees off like most of the problems I have seen. The motor was completely rebuilt 5 years ago along with the outdrive so I figured the motor and outdrive were worth the $1000 he paid for it. The previous owner had carried it to 4 different "shops" trying to get it srarted. I have verified it was rotating in the right direction(CCW from the rear looking forward). The only thing I am thinking is that maybe the engine builder didn't grind the valves to set the preload OR he installed the wrong cam when it was built. With it being 5 years ago the engine builder has retired and of course did not keep any records. I know that the only way to check the valves it to check clearences but is there a way to check the cam WITHOUT actually disassembling the engine.<br /><br />Even with a fully charged battery and the engine turns slowly even with the plugs out. The starter turns fine with without engaging the solenoid. I was thinking that the strokes were upset by the valves or cam causing it to "bind".<br /><br />I'll appreciate any help i can get.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!

 

[trog100]

Re: 470 Not Cranking (yes another one)

if the plugs are out the engine should whiz over very fast..<br /><br />with a boat the engine is still trying to turn parts of the drive and and all the bits in between.. so they could be a problem.. sagged engine mounts perhaps..??<br /><br />i thinks it most likely a starter motor or cable problem to be honest thow.. spinning under no load is different then spinning trying to turn the engine..<br /><br />trog100

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Not Cranking (yes another one)

No engine will start of it's cranking real slow. <br />Pull the drive and work with only the engine to start with. It will eliminate any questions.<br />Was the drive down when you were trying to start the engine, with it up it could be binding.<br />There is also the possibility there was water in the bellows for many years and the gimbal bearing or ujoints are corroded and barely able to turn.<br />You just have to start eliminating possiblilities.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: 470 Not Cranking (yes another one)

If it was sitting for a while the starter brushes may have "stuck". If all of the brushes are not making contact it will have reduced cranking power and act like a low battery.

 

[rbarnesjr@nc.rr.com]

Re: 470 Not Cranking (yes another one)

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll start with pulling the starter and cleaning the brushes and armature. Even though the started itself wasn't exposed to water that area has high moisure levels as the drain is directly beneath it. As far as the drive being up or down I've tried both. Bearing corrosion sounds likely too. I guess it's like you said....start eliminating everything one piece at a time.<br /><br />Thanks again