92 - merc 200 xri what are the symtoms of a bad starter???????????????

[ron tracy]

I replaced my battery because I ran out of fuel in my boat and after cranking and cranking and cranking I realized I may need a new battery. After replacing the battery I found that the new battery does the same thing as the old. It sounds like my boats cranking on a dead or dying battery. Both batteries turn out to be good reason I know is I took all of the plugs out and it cranks fast as can be with no plugs in the motor but once I replaced the plugs the enigine started but shut off and then I still have the really slow starter speed problem and I cant get it to start. I jumped the solenoid same problem so its not the solenoid. Does anyone have anything they can tell me to help me figure this one out!!!! does a really slow crank mean my starter is bad????

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Probably 95% of all starter problems is electrical. Is the battery fully charged? Check all your connections. They must be very clean and tight. Check the lugs very closely for any signs of corrosion. They can corrode inside where you can't see it and cause the problem you are having. If you know how to do a voltage drop test you could check them that way. Another way would be to temporally substitute the cables with jumper cables. If all the cables have been confirmed good, try jumping the starter solenoid. Just because it clicks does NOT mean its good. If you are sure the solenoid is good have your battery load tested, regardless of age. This brings you to the starter itself. Remove it and have it tested by your local auto electric shop. They can rebuild it for you if needed and save you some money. Let us know how you make out.​