Motor not starting: 1989 Barefoot Nautique

[Rock Toy]

I have a 1989 Barefoot Nautique with a 454 (reverse rotation). The motor will not turn over with the starter. I can turn it by hand so I know the motor is not frozen. Doesn't have a timing chain (has intermeshing gears) so I know the valve timing is on. If i pull the plugs, the starter spind the motor freely. Anyone know what's going on? Can it be a bad starter? Weak battery? Any opinions?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Motor not starting: 1989 Barefoot Nautique

Could be any of these things... Bad starter, bad starter solenoid, dead Battery, old crusty battery cables..<br /><br />I would start with a fresh battery and work my way thru all the wire connections (make them clean), all the way to replacing or rebuilding the starter, if need be..

 

[Cobra SX]

Re: Motor not starting: 1989 Barefoot Nautique

When starting a Boat/car/truck you have MANY different systems that work toghter something like this.....<br /><br />Battery Sends Power to The Primary part of the COIL. charges the Prim side then Discarges to the SECONDARY sys(the distrub cap-to wires)and on through to your plugs.<br /><br />NOW at the same time the battery takes ALL the power it can muster and trys to Turn the Moter VIA the starter.<br /><br />Now knowing how that works, Try Testing the battery there should be no less than 12.0 Volts if it is, check the eltro-lite level of battery. then Charge it. or replace if its older than 3 years.<br /><br />Check for current coming out of the Secondary side of the igntion ( you can do this many ways)<br />like a screwdriver to a good ground, or use insolated gloves/pliers and hold it above the distrubtor right above its plug, see anything?<br /><br />you have to pin point the problem because it could be so many at this point... check it out let me know what you find..... good luck