95 4.3LX MerCruiser Starter issue

[Aquatron]

I have a 95 4.3lx Mercruiser.

I replaced intake Manifold along with new Carb. Intake Manifold had a 9 inch crack. It had rain water on the pistons along with the Carb body rusted and frozen.

Then when I went to start it I noticed the flywheel ring gear damage. The PO kept trying to start it with Hydraulic lock and chewed up flywheel.

So I replaced the Flywheel ring gear.

Yesterday had it all back together and tried to start and it. Starter turns it over and then the starter makes a load clunk.

I stopped let it sit for a min and then try again it starts to turn then clunk.

I tried three attempts and then closed it up. Just needed a break to stop and think about the Issues.

I have not messed with it just digging into Mercruiser Maint Manual and forums to get a clue.

I have read a few post about starter not engine into flywheel and that makes senses. AFTER MARKET STARTER.

I guess that seems to easy, but it might be it.

The other question I have, if my Timing is off could I have some early detonation?

At one point i did see a puff of smoke out of Carb.

One other area of concern I have, when I pulled the motor a noticed the PO had broken a starter mount hole.

They welded the mount hole (STARBOARD SIDE) and starter mounts just need to add washers. Not sure if starter might be pulling itself a away from flywheel?

I will need to investigate this as a possible issue.

Right now just brain storming any inputs would be appreciated.

FYI: I have removed Manifolds and pressure tested and no leak. Plus at this point I have no water going through motor.


Thanks....

 

[Fun Times]

Re: 95 4.3LX MerCruiser Starter issue

All your theories are on the right track for inspections. Any one of them could be doing it including the aftermarket starter. Maybe this starter needs starter shims as well.

The welded mount hole is not good though.

Good luck.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 95 4.3LX MerCruiser Starter issue

cracks dont just happen. pull the plugs to see if its water on the cylinders again.

 

[Aquatron]

Re: 95 4.3LX MerCruiser Starter issue

Thanks for the fed back. The weld is what really bothers me...

At the end of my post i mentioned that i have not had any water in the block.

But I will look maybe I missed some when I drained it.

The one thing that gives me hope is the puff of smoke out of the Carb. So i am thinking in my hurry to put it back together I screwed up the timing.

I guess my real question will timing cause a pre detonation and cause a clunk.

Trust me I do understand Hydraulic lock and when i removed the intake I did a very good inspection in the lifter Valley.

Plus pressure check of exhaust manifolds.

Yes i know there are other areas ( water jackets) that i can't see. I did a pressure check the block and it went good no air leaking but you still never know until you heat it up..