Mercruiser won’t start when trimmed up

[samuelahickman]

hey guys. Had the 05 sea ray 185 (4.3l merc w/alpha 1) in the lift this morning. Then lowered it down into the water and tried to start it. It clanged real loud and didn’t turn over. Let it set for a min, then tried again. Same result. It’s hard to describe the sound. It was kind of like a clanging like I was hung up on something but the prop could be turned by hand and there was nothing pushing against the lower unit or anything. We decided to push it out of the lift and trim it down (it had been trimmed up) and then it started fine and didn’t do anything weird the rest of the ride. We usually always have it trimmed up (but still submerged) when we start it and have never had an issue. Any thoughts?

 

[alldodge]

You should never start a motor with it trimmed up in the trailer position. The clanging you hear is probably your U joints locking together in a bind. Suggest removing the drive and have a look

Its also best to store the drive full down so the bellows last longer

 

[Bondo]

You should never start a motor with it trimmed up in the trailer position. The clanging you hear is probably your U joints locking together in a bind. Suggest removing the drive and have a look

Its also best to store the drive full down so the bellows last longer

Ayuh,..... 100% agree with AD again,...... shouldn't even roll the motor over with the drive full up,.....

It's 'ell on the u-joint yokes,....

 

[samuelahickman]

Thank you so much bondo and alldodge! Really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Since it seems to be running fine, do u think I should be concerned or have it checked out?

 

[Bondo]

Since it seems to be running fine, do u think I should be concerned or have it checked out?

Ayuh,..... They always run just fine,...... til they don't,......

Diyin' it, there's only a 6 dollar gasket in the way of Knowin' how badly you've been abusin' yer drive,......
Repairs, I'm guessin' will run higher,.....

 

[achris]

...

Its also best to store the drive full down so the bellows last longer

Do people never read the owners handbook? :facepalm: