Won't start - hot battery posts!

[Don S]

Re: Won't start - hot battery posts!

Like I said, remove the starter and test it or have some one test it.
That cures the question of a starter problem.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Won't start - hot battery posts!

Well if the batt cables are good, and the batt is good, engine not seized, you're left with the starter/solenoid. Starters in I/Os can be problematical because they sit low in a damp bilge and somtimes have water dripping on them from manifold drains, etc. If the old one is bad, think about buying a nice new marine starter, they don't cost that much and will make your boating much more enjoyable. I replaced one on my 4.3 back in 2006, the old one had so much resistance in it that the last start I got out of it, there was smoke coming from it and it heated the big wire on the solenoid up pretty well!

 

[ribblette]

Re: Won't start - hot battery posts!

So, I ran through the testing with my multimeter and deduced that the starter is bad. I pulled off the starter, did the bench test to verify that it was not working. I am replacing the starter. It looks horrible. A little rusty, and one of the three mounting flanges was broken off. The starter has been held on with only 2 good bolts for who knows how long.

Thanks to everyone for all the help!

 

[burroak]

Re: Won't start - hot battery posts!

Well...I will have to disgree. The symptoms described are very distinct and indicate 600+ amps moving through the starting system. The only thing that does that is a starter that is engaged to a engine that will not turn over.

That is not necessarily true. If the lug on the positive cable at the starter is unshielded by the rubber cover and it is in contact with any part of the motor, you will get a direct short and not only will the cables get hot, the wing nut post on the battery will explode.

Don't ask.

 

[Don S]

Re: Won't start - hot battery posts!

Dave wasn't talking about the cables getting hot, or even eploding like you found. He was talking about a cable moving due to high amp draw.
Fact is, He has a bad starter. Causes the same high amp draw.