Alpha One not starting

[jolg]

I have a Chaparral 1800 SL Sport equipped with a Alpha One 4.3/V6. I have replaced 2 starters in 5 years and now I might have to replace again. I don't care to pay the $600 to have it done so I'm thinking of doing it myself. If I do can anyone tell me the procedure?

I have tried looking online for advice but there has not been anything specific on how to go about it.

All I'm getting is a clicking sound. I will try and clean all the connections first but if that doesn't do it I will need advice.

Thanks

 

[ryanr623]

Re: Alpha One not starting

One click? Or multiple clicks?

If its one click, either your engine is frozen, the starter is bad, or the starter solenoid is bad.

If its multiple clicks, charge the battery and check all wiring connections.

Id be willing to bet starter. They are very easy to change, i have done one before on my imperial in about an hour. Disconnect the wires, remove the three bolts and slide it out. The tricky part is getting access to it. Some boats have plenty of room, but in the case of my imperial i had to be double jointed lol.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha One not starting

If I do can anyone tell me the procedure?

the procedure would be in the mercruiser service manual. you can likely find the service manual in the adults only sticky (choose the one that's applicable to your rig, confirm proper manual by serial number). look at item #9. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430
in general. there's a lot of info in that sticky too.

fwiw, for my old rig. which may be way different than yours. there's 3 step to remove my starter. 1, remove wires to the starter solinoid. 2, remove starter bolts. 3, remove starter. sounds easy enough. and is on my boat. other boats???? some ya even gotta pull the engine to go get the starter. if yer getting it done for 600 though. i doubt you'll have to be doing that.

good luck with it. and welcome.

 

[fishinpa]

Re: Alpha One not starting

Lets unhook the battery first for removal!
Or if you have a battery switch make sure it is OFF



fish

 

[jolg]

Re: Alpha One not starting

Thanks for the advice.

I guess what I really need is exactly what bolts to remove. I see one coming up from the bottom and one going in from the the flywheel housing. Is there a third? Also, I see a couple of smaller bolts that could be for the flywheel housing?

Yes, there is little room but with some good extensions and hard to reach tools I think I can do it without removing the rear bench.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha One not starting

Lets unhook the battery first for removal!

i stand corrected. and unhooking the batt. is actually before step one in the service manual. as a caution in bold black type. "Caution, remove battery leads at battery before removing starter"

thanks fishinpa for correcting my oversight.

 

[fishinpa]

Re: Alpha One not starting

i stand corrected. and unhooking the batt. is actually before step one in the service manual. as a caution in bold black type. "Caution, remove battery leads at battery before removing starter"

thanks fishinpa for correcting my oversight.

ziggy just an observation and thought the Newb had better remove it to save any extra excitement !

fish

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Alpha One not starting

$600 man that is really high even for a brand new OEM Mercruiser Starter unless the engine has to pulled. It did it on my 5.7L MC for less than $80 and 30 mins.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Alpha One not starting

There are 2 Bolts that go UP at the back of the starter at the flywheel, on on the outer side of it, and one on the inner side, closer to the engine ( both on the starter ), then as you know the important one at the front end of the starter support bracket, take a picture of the wires before you disconnect.

I like to use either an Off-Set box end wrench or 3/8" Rachet with a short extension 1/2" is better if you can get to it.

The Starter Solenoid though CLicking can still be bad internally not passing enough current to the starter.

 

[JWhit]

Re: Alpha One not starting

I have a 89 5.7, replaced starter for $45 from the local auto parts store. Not difficult to change just uncomfortable and now starts great

 

[jolg]

Re: Alpha One not starting

Thanks Kainon that is what I needed.

How can I tell if it's the Starter Solenoid or starter? Is there a way to test before pulling the starter?

I paid the $600 at a marina in northern Mich that is now out business. Probably due to ripping people off like me.

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Alpha One not starting

Thanks Kainon that is what I needed.

How can I tell if it's the Starter Solenoid or starter? Is there a way to test before pulling the starter?

I paid the $600 at a marina in northern Mich that is now out business. Probably due to ripping people off like me.

I believe and I may be wrong:

If it was the starter you would hear a click which is the solenoid pushing the bendix to the flywheel.

If it was the solenoid you would hear the spinning for the starter but the solenoid not pushing the bendix out to engage with the flywheel.