Mercruiser Starting trouble

[marcusmg]

Another 4th of July Victim? We were having a grand 4th for several hours...until. I was moving along when i heard a sputter then the motor died. Tried to restart it but then the next problem seemed to be a week battery. Had battery checked today and it checks out alright, had it recharged, put in boat. Cranked well 2times but wouldn't start. Had this look at today and was told it could be the starter. I was wondering how I can check further in the motor to know something else is not wacked. I would appreciate any insight<br /><br />1990 Bayliner<br />120hp L Drive Mercruiser, Force?<br /><br />thanks

 

[hondon]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Are all your battery connections clean? And I mean clean like a new penny.That starter is easily removed and can be checked for draw at any auto electric shop.Start simple and check all your battery cable connections, front and back.

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Thanks for the reply. yes conections are tight and clean. even put in a new battery. By the way, had the boot looked at briefly my a mechanic. He mentioned that the starter was very warm, HOT and his booster pack helped crank a bit, but not quite enough. he thought starter, maybe. <br /><br />thanks again

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

An additional question for the above, With the starter off, is it safe to manually turn the engine to verify nothing is wrong internally?

 

[galaxy]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Have you checked the alternator? If you get it started again just remove the negative cable from the battery. If the engine quits, it's either the brushes or diode in the alternator. Then again the alternator may not be the problem at all. Had the same problem with mine.

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

thanks for the reply, I was looking for the alternator yesterday, but couldnt identify it. I am new to boating and honestly, motors too.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

STOP>>>>>>>>>> Do NOT and I repeat DO NOT disconnect the battery cable while the engine is running!!!!!!<br /><br />That's a trick the old timers used to do, But with todays electronics you can damage things!!<br /><br />Since you have a Force L drive you WILL destroy some of your electronics!!<br /><br />Yes, You can manually turn the engine over. Make sure your kill switch is removed for saftey! If its hard to turn you may have to drop the lower unit to make sure its not the problem.

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Trent I hear you loud and clear, <br />Thanks for saving my butt!!! <br /><br />can you direct me to the alternator? if the rebuild on the starter doesn't do it, guess thats my next stop, right?

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Easy way to check to see if she is charging the battery is to use a voltmeter. Check battery voltage before you crank it. Lets say its 12.5 volts. Now crank the engine and rev it up some. Now re-check. If she is charging the voltage will go up to around 13.5 to 15 volts.<br /><br />From how you describe your problem I dont think battery charging is your problem.<br /><br />Remove the sparkplugs and see if she will turn over (kill switch removed)

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

By the way. The L-Drive does not have a alternator per say. Its a two stroke engine connected to a Mercrusier outdrive. It has a stator type charging system that uses a rectifier to convert the AC voltage produced under the flywheel to DC voltage to charge the battery.<br /><br />For your info Item 3 (stator)in the picture below is for battery charging and for ignition to the sparkplugs. Item 12 is the rectifier. Item 26 is the powerpack (CD) for ignition (its like a computer) Unhoook the battery while running will fry all or some of these things.<br /><br />

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Trent <br /> Thanks a million!!! <br /><br />That makes everything much clearer. I hope to get my starter rebuilt and back tomorrow. Hopefully that will cure all ills. Its a rainy windy day here, today.... so I dont feel like I am missing out on too much water fun...<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />mark

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Now I really need help<br /><br />starter rebuilder said the starter was not damaged, just a bit worn. They are rebuilding it anyway since its apart.<br /><br />???<br /><br />not the battery<br />not the starter<br /><br />any suggestions what i should look at next?<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />mark

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Bet you missed a few things...Read my posts again! Im not a real fan of the L-Drive so look again. First couple of posts.

 

[galaxy]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Oops!... Sorry about that Mark. I guess I gave away my age there. By the way Trent, What year(s) did they stop using alternators? I guess I'm too use to automobile alternators. Or maybe the boats I've owned were manufactured around the time Nixon was President.LOL That's what's so great about these forums. Great place to learn.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

The Force L-Drive is a total different animal from any other Mercrusier. Its a outboard engine mounted in a boat (Bayliner) and a Mercrusier outdrive. They give PLENTY of trouble (engine). L-Drives never had a alternator. They were made from 1990-1992.

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Finally getting to the nuts and bolts..... I had a hand in getting things torn down. At this point it looks like the out drive. with the drive off, everything turn free and starts very well.... soo.... does anyone now a source for a good outdrive for this animal or how available are internal parts<br /><br />thanks again<br /><br />mark

 

[marcusmg]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

Finally getting to the nuts and bolts..... I had a hand in getting things torn down. At this point it looks like the out drive. with the drive off, everything turn free and starts very well.... soo.... does anyone now a source for a good outdrive for this animal or how available are internal parts<br /><br />thanks again<br /><br />mark

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Starting trouble

You need to know your serial number to get parts. Look here....... L-Drive