Mercruiser starting problem..

[RichC10]

Thought my battery was dead, because the boat was getting hard to start when warm. Battery terminals are clean. Tested the battery at the auto parts store, and they say its good.
Is the next step removing the starter and having it tested, or is there something else I should look at first? Thanks in advance...

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

Try the circuit breaker (lil red button) blown fuses, ALL electrical connections and what ya workin on???? And welcome aboard!!!!!!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

the battery cable and ends come to mind, especially where the neg. connects ast the block

 

[Walker600]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

Whats actually happening? why would you want to remove the starter? is the engine not turning over? or is it turning over and not firing?
Ive just gone through a series of issues with my 3.0 mercruiser. Initially I was blaming the battery and after having it tested and confirmed ok thought about the starter but that wasn't the case.

If the solenoid is just clicking then make sure all your connections are clean and sound. And check for fuel and spark. I replaced my water separating fuel filter and the spark plugs and she ran well for a week or so and the issue re-occured. This time the fault lay with the distributor, a quick clean of all the contact points with some very light sandpaper and she's running like new.....

Depending on your boat im sure its easier to check that than take the starter out......

 

[RichC10]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

I checked all the contacts and it looks like the ground was a bit corroded. All the rest look clean. The original problem was it just wouldn't turn over. No click, it just cranked slower and slower until nothing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

I checked all the contacts and it looks like the ground was a bit corroded. All the rest look clean. The original problem was it just wouldn't turn over. No click, it just cranked slower and slower until nothing.

Ayuh,... Looks is Irrevelant...

Any corrosion that matters is hidin by the fasteners...
Take 'em Apart, Sand 'em Shiney Clean, reassemble, then Grease 'em...
The grease keeps things Corrosion Free...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Mercruiser starting problem..

To add to what Bond-o said, check the cables themselves as well. A lot of corrosion (especially in boats) can accumulate within the cable, hidden by the insulation. Check the copper by flexing the ccable. Is it crunchy? Are there bumps and swelling under the insulation? Can you see green on the copper? A lot of resistance can be created when the current tries to run through a bad cable.

If the cables and connections are good, then i would lean toward the starter again if were turning slowly. Did they test the battery under load? Does it spin faster if you add a jump box to it?