Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

[MH9371B]

OK so I had my boat out tonight, everything running perfectly. Got the boat on the trailer and went to flush out engine, hooked up hose, key in ignition, turn key, I hear a click, hear something whirring back there, but the engine does not crank at all. Bad starter?<br /><br />1995 3.0LX Mercruiser I/O 135HP

 

[datawire]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Might just be an almost dead battery. Sounds like the solenoid is not allowing the starter to engage the flywheel.

 

[MH9371B]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Batteries are definitely not dead. Two batteries, less than a month old, both properly being charged by alternator.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Sounds like maybe the bendix drive is not throwing the starter gear into the flywheel gear. I'd take out the starter and see if the starter gear is corroded onto the shaft. Once out, you can hit it with 12 volts and watch the drive gear. Just anchor the starter before you apply da juice.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Bad starter?

Yes.....

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

As a temp fix, try tapping the starter with a hammer (not too hard), preferrably while someone is hitting the hey. Might knock the bendix loose if it's stuck. That "whirrr" is the sound the starter makes with no load.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

With the new style permanent magnet starters, hitting them with a hammer usually cracks the magnets, rendering the starter useless. It will cost you about $150 per whack, if you hit it hard enough twice.

 

[MH9371B]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Thanks for the tips, I'll check out the starter and go from there.<br /><br />In everyone's opinion, on a scale of 1-10 how hard is replacing this part? 10 being hardest? I'm no boat mechanic but have been able to replace my water circulating pump and alternator with little trouble. Anyone know where I can find some instructions? Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Well,<br />I rate it a 1............<br />But,<br />I AM a Mechanic..............

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Thanks for the laughs guys. Good Saturday to ya!...sl

 

[beezee28]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

I went to the public library and looked for books and manual on outdrive / stern drive. Found 1 book on that particular engine and read on the topic on what I have to work on. give it a try...

 

[hoot]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

i rate it a 5 (on IL6, 250 that is). if 2 bolts on back going upwards, one on side; remove the two back ones first, not much room and hard to get to. use the side bolt to help hold the thing up. oh, and make a wiring sketch. find a rework shop if one in your area. and it just may need some lube.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

possible that the starter needs to be shimmed to properly engage the flywheel (shimmed in towards the flywheel to engage).

 

[MH9371B]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Thanks, the Clymer manual sucks. Basically it says "remove the wires, remove the bolts, installation procedure is the reverse" No pictures or anything.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Service manuals assume some manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude on the part of the reader. They are not written like a cookbook. What makes starter replacement difficult is the boat design that limits access to the lower aft starboard side of an inboard motor. Other than that, what's so hard about removing 2 or 3 bolts and wires? It's just like a car.

 

[MH9371B]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Probably nothing that hard about it at all, but since it is in such a precarious position, there are lots of times it seems when people on the board have certain tips or tricks that make it easier.<br /><br />Thanks for the insight, everyone! I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

tips or tricks... yes, they are here! I wish I would have discovered this infomation a lonnng time ago...knowledge + experience = wisdom<br /><br />A tip... try to have a friend, with smaller hands, arms etc. give you a hand. Thats what I do. When I do this I have Carolyn put on a short skirt! She's kinda nieve and dosen't get it right away, no pun intended. <br /><br />back to the subject... they can be tough to access. (My left arm and hand is messed up, numb alot of the time). The TIP is to have a little knowledge going in. It may help to take a couple of pictures before you start, as it may be a few days before you are able to re-install the starter. At that time, the pics, (or diagrams, as mentioned above) will be of great help. That way you will be making your own pictures to paste into your manual...sl

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Gee whiz guys! I can't believe all this just to remove a chebby starter. Maybe it's time to consider a Ford.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

I like the short shirt help idea! ...not sure it gets the work done any faster...but it keeps things interesting.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Click... Whirrr... F*()$(#!!!

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br /> I like the short shirt help idea! ...not sure it gets the work done any faster...but it keeps things interesting.

Hey Cobra3.0, I'll bet that most of us here are of the persuation that prefers a short skirt.<br /><br /> )