OMC starting problem after trailer sinking

[probstne]

I would like some help troubleshooting our starting problem. Unfortunately the plug hole got plugged up this winter with leaves and the rain water never drained. Thus, we were the unlucky recipients of a trailer sinking. water accumulated just above the starter.

I replaced the starter knowing that it was toast. Crossing my fingers I tried to start it and nothing......no clicks or anything. In trouble shooting, the new starter itself works because when I jump the posts on the starter it fires up but won't continue to run. I put the tester on the key switch and there must be short as the wire that should only be hot when turning the key to start - has power to it. There is no power to the starter when turning key to start.

I can't find my service manual and am trying to download one online..... I am assuming that there is a short in the starter relay and this needs to be replaced. Is there something that I am missing here, and should I look into anything else further before replacing this part?

Thanks in advance for any help! -Nick
1988 Four Winns Horizona 210
I/O V8 OMC with Cobra 2 outdrive

 

[repair man]

Re: mercruiser starting problem after trailer sinking

Re: mercruiser starting problem after trailer sinking

Is there a breaker on the starter? If its a later mercruiser there is a fuse or breaker on the starter. If water got that high you may have water in the u-joint bellows from water getting in the backside. If there is a water line in the boat you should be able to tell if it was high enough to get in the drive bellows. If it did then you have a dead gimbal bearing for sure, maybe u-joints and yoke if it had alot of water. There is only one way to find out, pull the drive. This has nothing to do with your starter problem but something to keep in mind. Sorry for going on and on. good luck it happens and Im sure your not the first or the last person.

 

[Don S]

Re: mercruiser starting problem after trailer sinking

Re: mercruiser starting problem after trailer sinking

I/O V8 Mercruiser with Cobra 2 outdrive

There is no such thing as a Cobra 2 outdrive. Especially on a Mercruiser. Cobra was the type drive OMC used.
Might want to post some pictures of your engine and drive. Have seen many pieced together engine and drive combinations.
As far as your starting problem, sure your battery is charged? Do you have the small yellow/red stripe wire on the small terminal closest to the block?

 

[probstne]

Re: OMC starting problem after trailer sinking

Thanks for your responses.

Don S - your correct it is an OMC (I changed the original message to reflect), I was thinking of my old boat which was a Mercruiser. It is wired correctly - The yellow-red wire is closest to the block. Two batteries fully charged.

repair man - thanks for the heads up, I was going to pull the drive once I got it started, but didn't want to go through all that work without it starting.

I found the wiring schematic in the Adults only section and the article on diagnosing starting problems. I will go over it tomorrow AM.

This site is amazing and everyone so helpful!