Starter motor issue (con't).... PLEASE READ & HELP!

barryboy70

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2003
Messages
8
First, here is what led me to believe the problem is the starter motor....<br /><br />After motoring around for a while, I cut the engine and drifted... when I went to start it again nothing happened other than a click from the solenoid. I assumed a dead battery but after checking all the wiring, cleaning the battery posts, checking fuses, grounds, etc, I concluded that its either a problem with the solenoid relay, the starter solenoid, or the starter motor itself..<br /><br />So, I called the local marina and spoke tot he mechanic. He advised me of a few simple tests to do...<br /><br />Testing the solenoid relay:<br />I was to use a tester and apply it to the big post on the starter relay. It should have constant power and it did. Then I was to turn the key and test the other posts, which should only have power with the key turned. They did NOT have power, so I happily thought that the $50 relay was the problem.... but on I went with my testing.<br /><br />Testing the starter solenoid:<br />Same idea here.... test the big post for constant power (which it did), then the others for power when the key was turned... no power, which the mechanic assured me is not surprising since the solenoid relay seemed to be faulty and thus not sending the necessary current to the solenoid...<br /><br />Testing the starter motor:<br />The last test which would allow me to conclude that the starter relay was teh faulty part was to bridge/jump the solenoid on the starter, thus bypassing the elect. system up to that point. I was forewarned about a spark, and that the starter motor should spin. I repeated this test several times and the starter did NOT spin. I phoned the mechanic back and he thought that the starter motor must be toast.<br /><br />Another starter motor test:<br />I read that sometimes the brushes on the starter motor can get caught up and that gentle banging of a hammer then trying to start the motor might help things along. So I did this... and while it didn't start or even crank, I could tell that the starter motor momentarily spun for a half a second. The normal solenoid 'click' was accompannied by a distinctive grind/crank....<br /><br />So... all to say that I think my starter motor simply needs reconditioning and replacement of any worn parts. I am keep to hear the opinion of those who actually know about thsi stuff, since I am a virtual novice with avg. mechanical skills and have relied on the web and the friendly input of others to get this far. IT will be interesting to see if you folks on the board can help me through this and truely demonstrate the power of the internet :) <br /><br />My direct email is barryp@breakawayskate.com if you would like to reach me directly. I am most grateful for your input here people!!!
 

barryboy70

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2003
Messages
8
Re: Starter motor issue (con't).... PLEASE READ & HELP!

Also... with the starter motor removed should I be able to manually move/turn the big engine flywheel? I can't and this worries me?... or perhaps this would be expected????
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,082
Re: Starter motor issue (con't).... PLEASE READ & HELP!

Pull the starter and have it rebuilt. The marine starters are subjected to moisture and then they rust on the inside. Any decent automotive starter repair shop should be able to rebuild it to "marine specs" without problem.<br /><br />Common problem.<br /><br />Bob
 

barryboy70

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2003
Messages
8
Re: Starter motor issue (con't).... PLEASE READ & HELP!

Assuming that its the starter motor thats the problem, there is still no explanation why my first test of the solenoid relay failed. Any ideas why this might be???
 
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