Mercruiser 3.0 Starting issue

[gixxerjim]

Last summer I started having starting problems with my Sea Ray.

Boat starts, runs great. Fun for a couple hours with multiple starts/stops tubing with young kids (turn off whenever anybody within 30' of engine). Then get a low voltage signal from my fishfinder, set at 11V as I recall. Gauge on boat reads fine however. Then boat won't turn over, like no battery in the boat. Tap the starter with a wrench while turning key, turns over and starts right up.

I tested at home on the trailer connected to muffs the battery, starter, solenoid and alternator using Sun intruments and manuals and everything tests out perfectly.

I am leaning toward assuming the starter fails as it gets hot (maybe not getting the engine bay hot enough at home on well water with the top off?) and replacing the starter. But I hate to throw money into it without a failed test.

Anybody experience this issue?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Starting issue

While it may be the starter, you need to check the voltage with a test meter, not the boats helm instrument those things aren't very accurate.
Also make sure all your battery cables (postive and negative) are clean and tight on both ends. Wing nut tight with your fingers is not tight.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Starting issue

Ayuh,... From your discription,...
I'd start by removing, sanding, cleaning, reinstalling,+ greasing ALL of the wiring ends in the system...
Corroded connections will do that....

 

[gixxerjim]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Starting issue

Thanks guys. How I hadn't thought of that and painstakingly eliminated the connections as a possibility before now I don't know. Back to the basics.

Thanks again.