Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

[cubajean10]

First, thank you all for your help . I'm here asking for help because I've no idea how to proceed. I've a an inboard engine Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L and this is what I got on the vessel report, when I bought the 2750 Bayliner Ciera years ago:
ENGINES: Volvo-Penta
TYPE: Gas
Serial Number: GM44520
H.P.: 350
Year built/installed: 1985
Eng. HR.: 50
LAST OVERHAUL: 2006

It ran fine a year a go. I took out all the gas and put new high octane gas. I also charged the batteries with a slow charge and its good now. When I try to turn on the engine I think the starter makes a noise but it won't turn on.

Here are some extra pictures. LINK
Finally I just got a multimeter to check everything else is fine but I really need some help on what to do next.:facepalm:

 

[cubajean10]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

bump

 

[SkipJack25]

Re: Engine won't start

Re: Engine won't start

Hi Cubajean10, I received the message you left on my Youtube page (Yes, my YT name is ChalkyAftertaste). I am not a great whiz at boat mechanics but it sounds like your starter is either stuck, has a broken gear tooth. Is your battery providing enough juice to crank the starter fully? Check the battery terminals. They need to be tightly fitted and clean for a perfect connection. It is possible the battery has drained and that will result in zero power reaching the starter motor. In this instance you will hear nothing but the clicking sound.

A stuck starter can sometimes be "coaxed" into working simply by rapping the casing with the handle of a screwdriver - of course if it then starts you'd want to replace it anyway - but it is something to check. It doesn't always work and you don't want to be on the water if the starter fails again.

You can bench test the starter using a spare battery and jumper cables. Test the starter motor by removing it from the boat. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and detach the terminal wire from the starter. Remove the three holding bolts and take the starter off. Attach the positive jumper cable to the positive battery terminal. Attach the other end of the positive cable to the body of the motor. You might note a protruding part of the body, depending on the model. Attach the negative jumper cable lead to the negative battery terminal. Touch the black jumper cable lead to the main body of the starter motor. What should happen is the motor will spin and try to move forward. You also will notice sparks coming from the black cable's crocodile teeth as the metal touches the body, creating a charge. The pinion within the starter will rotate, letting you know the starter is responding and does work. Testing the starter in this fashion also will indicate whether the starter motor is faulty. If the opposite occurs and you find you get no sparks and no rotation, you will need a new starter motor.

Warning: When bench testing a starter motor, do not touch it with your hands while the jumper cables are touching it. The sparks are signs that electricity is flowing and can be dangerous. Wear rubber soled shoes or trainers and press your foot on the starter to hold it still.

I hope this helps.

Skipjack25

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

Dead battery, loose or corroded battery terminals would be the first places I would be looking.

 

[cubajean10]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

Thank you both Don S & SkipJack25. Just to clarify the batteries are good, I tested them. My to do/try list in this order is: clean battery terminals, remove starter, maybe "coax" it, and test it. Thanks again, so much!

 

[cubajean10]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

Hey guys so this is what I did: I charged the batteries again, cleaned the terminals, and measured their current 12-13v and when I turn the key they both go down to 7v. I think the batteries are still good right? Oohh and a biggie, I re-did the math and the boat has not been turned on in 3-4 years. My dad thinks something is stuck in the motor. I haven't been able to remove and test the starter because I can't see it how do you guys work on the motor, I mean lift it out of the boat and all? I tried looking for an exploded view of where the starter connects to the motor but couldn't find one.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

I've changed starters on several of those, it's not bad at all compared to some of them. The 2 starter bolts come up from the bottom and bolt to the block. Disconnect the battery first, get the starter off the block, then remove the wires. (Note how the wires are positioned.)

Might also want to pull the spark plugs and see if they are rusty. If not, see if you can turn the engine by hand. If not, pull the outdrive. A locked up drive or gimbal bearing could keep the engine from turning.

 

[cubajean10]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

Thanks ! I took out the spark plugs and they were fine, now there's something else. I saw this video to have an idea how to remove the outdrive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q9iXAWsrYA and it says to put it in forward but my lever is "stuck" at neutral? I think it's supposed to be like that when it's not turned on but I'm not sure.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

maybe you missed it, but that Video is for a Mercruiser outdrive, you have a Volvo. Completely different type drive.:facepalm: Didn't you think it odd that your drive looked different?

 

[cubajean10]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

I know it's not a volvo, I just tought same principle? However I just went to see it and it's completely different :S

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 255B / Chevy 350 5.7L won't start-desperate newb

You have obviouly no seen fit to visit the stickies a the top of the forum. Things there you might want to read, like this one that is #11 in the stickies. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2360521#post2360521