140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

[bgchecker]

Hello, I have read a lot of the forums out here and there is some really great information that has helped me along the way so I decided to join! I recently got a boat from a buddy that has sat for a couple yrs. It is a 140 mercuiser, I believe 1986. I have removed all the spark plugs and put some tranny fluid in each. Since that I have been able to manually turn the motor using the alternator nut and pressing on the belt. The motor moves freely. However, when I crank the starter, I can hear the start click but wont spin. I have plenty of power to the starter. Bad Starter? Also what really confuses me is once I try the starter the motor freezes up on me. I can get it free spining again, but it requires some muscle. Why would this be? I appreciate any assistance as I would love to get my family out on this boat this summer.

 

[Don S]

Re: 140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

For the clicking, assuming it's electrical read this thread HOW TO: Troubleshooting your engines starting system?/ 167035

Pull the spark plugs and crank the engine over with the starter (after that problem is fixed) and see if you still have a lot of ATF still in the cylinders or maybe water.

 

[bgchecker]

Re: 140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

Thanks Don! I was able to follow that link and found the start was shot. Since then I placed a new starter in and the motor turns over just fine. My next step was to check to see if I could get any spark from the plugs. I had my wife turn the key and I grounded the plug, no spark. I tried all 4 plugs and plug wires. I pulled the dist cap and checked out the rotor, no noticable corrosion or damage. I do not have the alternator wires hooked up yet as I needed to disconnect, thats not the problem is it? Could it be something else, or should I replace the cap and rotor? Thanks again! Also I drained the oil and replaced, old oil had no water in it.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

Follow the link Don gave you and it would not hurt to have all electrical connection hooked up, clean and tight to properly diagnose your issues.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

If it has points ignition it's a sure bet they are corroded/rusted. You should do a complete tune up, points, condenser, cap and rotor along with new plugs.

Wouldn't even try to start a boat that sat for that long without a tune up.

 

[bgchecker]

Re: 140 Mercruiser sat 2 yrs, having starter issues.

Thank you all, I was able to get spark by replacing plugs, cap, rotor, points and condenser. I have also performed a compression test and am right around 150-160 on all cylinders. My next step is to take the carb off for a cleaning, then to hook the drive up and give it a test......as soon as all this snow in MN goes away! Thanks again, Matt.