Starter Binding

[Creck]

I have a 1997 Mercruiser 5.7. Recently I was having starter problems. It started with a grinding noise and once in a while just a click of the starter. I replaced the battery, cleaned all the connections and replaced the starter. Once replaced it started fine! Then when I went to start it again it bound up, then released and started. It seems that every other time I go to start it, it binds up with a loud Clank!?

Any thoughts?

I was going to try and shim the starter out this weekend, but thought I may get some opinions first.

The boat runs fine otherwise, besides the volt gauge going in and out.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts


CReck

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Binding

Ayuh,... How do you know it's Binding,..??
I doubt shims are the problem...
Have you pulled any sparkplugs to look for hydro-lock,..??

 

[Creck]

Re: Starter Binding

It sure sounds like it's binding? With the old starter it was making a grinding noise once it started spinng. Not so much with the new one.
Could I have Hydrolock even if the engine runs fine once it's started? I assume that I just pull the plugs, turn the motor over and look for water?