72 Mercruiser 165 inline 6 engine clicked once then nothing

[sam.thompson]

Hi all, I've been working on our old family boat. Unfortunately sitting for about 10 years. Been going through trying to replace some of the minors on it, Distro cap, plugs, oil and filter, and battery is as far as I've gone.

Well I get it all put back together, put the new batter on, went to turn the key and all the motor did was click once then didn't do anything again.

My first conclusion = battery.
The horn dims the dash panel lights without making a sound.

The battery is a marine battery from walmart, it's a short cycle style for starting engines, not the deep cycle, so I'm good there but I'm having a feeling that the battery may be dead.

Any takers on this one?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 72 Mercruiser 165 inline 6 engine clicked once then nothing

Sounds lik you have a Mercruiser I/O. If so, it is best to repost in the I/O section.

Is the motor seized? Remove the plugs and see if you can turn the main pulley, with a strap wrench

 

[Bondo]

Re: 72 Mercruiser 165 inline 6 engine clicked once then nothing

Hi all, I've been working on our old family boat. Unfortunately sitting for about 10 years. Been going through trying to replace some of the minors on it, Distro cap, plugs, oil and filter, and battery is as far as I've gone.

Well I get it all put back together, put the new battery on, went to turn the key and all the motor did was click once then didn't do anything again.

My first conclusion = battery.
The horn dims the dash panel lights without making a sound.

The battery is a marine battery from walmart, it's a short cycle style for starting engines, not the deep cycle, so I'm good there but I'm having a feeling that the battery may be dead.

Any takers on this one?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... I've found most New batteries are pretty well charged,...

I'd sooner think the cable, 'n wirin' ends are corroded....

Take 'em apart, sand, clean to shiny metal, reattach, 'n grease 'em to help slow future corrosion...