1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

[jewwells]

Bought a used Executive Cuddy cabin 1983 w/350 & alpha 1 outdrive. Went to pick up boat & started with no problem( I supplied new Battery) Run good for few minutes with ear muffs on. Got home & started next day. Run for 30 seconds & died. Made no bad sounds of any kind. Called previous owner, he said the 8 pin connector (harness) on top of the engine sometimes works loose, unplugged & replugged slightly twisted. Did nothing. battery has full charge, all gauges come on. Just when you turn the key, no clicking/cranking just silence. Sure would appreciate any ideas.<br />Thanks

 

[record hunter]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

check your power at the starter. Try jumping it there. If not to difficult take off starter and your local auto can test it for you .Also if you have a meter you can test the voltage at the solenoid and the coil a meter is a great testing tool to own good luck

 

[rhartSilverdale]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Also, check to see if the starting circuit is protected by an extra large Buss type fuse - usually a 50 amp unit. The fuse is usually located close to the starter solenoid, and is fully enclosed and protected by a rubber-cupped fuse holder. They look like the older type automotive fuses (glass tube with metal contacts on each end) on steroids. If it exists, this fuse might have blown for some reason, and could explain why you're not getting any power to the starter or its solenoid. BTW, some automotive or lightly stock marine shops might not carry these extra large fuses, but I have found them at car stereo store - especially the ones that sells and installs high power car stereos.<br /><br />Also, depending on how your battery is connected, sometimes the contact lugs can work loose from the battery posts; especially the hand tighten/quick release types. Check and make sure these are clean, tight, and making good contact. I've had that happened to me in the past. I now use a plier instead of my fingers to tighten the lugs.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Billnicole]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Are you sure its not in gear??

 

[jewwells]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Removing the starter will be a small adventure, I am trying to avoid it if possible. When boat started previously, no grinding, nothing. seem to start great. This plug the previous owner mentioned, is there a proper name for this?<br />Is there a way to crank over with screw driver like we used to do old Fords?<br />I did see an 60 amp breaker, tried to reset but does not seem to be tripped.<br /><br />did check the shifter, all seems to be good on that end. Also looked for bad wire on ingnition switch all seems to be intact ok. I am here be myself, is there a way I can just turn the key on & turn over with cross shorting ?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

To make a simple check of a few things,move the shifter to fwd and back to neutral.then get your hands on the connections to the starter and try to move them by hand to see if any are loose.Really try to move them,Do this to the battery leads too,push and pull,then wrap the starter with a hammer in the body not in the selonoid.If it dont start yet you can try to jump the starter to see if it is a bad seloniod.It is easy to do but it will scare the crap out of you if it cranks.Use a large screwdriver with a handle.I put on a rubber glove on when i do this.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

If it is a proplem with the wiring harness plug, you could try unplugging it, and looking in the end with all the pins, use a small screw driver, or pick and spread all the pins open. <br /><br />Also, it is not uncommon for Mercruiser to use a hose clamp around the plug to hold it in place.<br /><br />Scott.

 

[joanmichaa]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

find anyone with the capability to hold the ignition key in the crank position and start moving wiring especially connections until you find the bad one. make sure the battery is fully charged and if you are looking at the rear of the starter the big connector on top to the small bolt on the right side should make it crank bypassing the switch and the neutral safety switch

 

[rhartSilverdale]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

If your boat has been sitting for a long time, you might want to take the starter out and have it bench tested at your local auto parts store - especially with an older boat and an original starter. Most auto part stores will do this for free. I've had a similar situation, and it turned out that the brushes were corroded and froze to the armature just from sitting around for 4 years of non-use (total hours on my boat since new is less than 150, but it's an '85 - 18 years old). And it is next to impossible to turn the engine over by hand even with the spark plugs removed. It's easier to remove the starter and have it tested.<br /><br />If you need to replace the starter, make sure you get a marine unit. Do not use an automotive unit as they are not properly sealed, and will create sparks which is definitely a BAD THING on a boat with an enclosed engine compartment full of gasoline fumes! Can anyone spell EXPLOSION?! Rebuild marine starters are about $150 to $200. A new one can set you back about $350 to $400. I bought a starter rebuild kit for around $20, but make sure you seal the starter with marine silicon caulking at the same places after the rebuild. The kit came with excellent instructions - wasn't all that difficult. After the rebuilt, my boat engine cranked over right away. Now it starts up like a charm everytime. If I can only get the rest of my boat functioning properly, I'll be in heaven. It's amazing that letting a boat sit idle can still deteriorate considerably over time.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[record hunter]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

yes to your question about the old screw driver trick. Just find yoyr solenoid and touch you know the trick Also if you have a newtral safety switch check .I know I had a wire fall off mine once and did the same thing as you are asking

 

[jewwells]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Thanx for so much !!<br />I am going home tonight & trying all. Will post a reply as how it all turns out.<br /><br />Robert In Silverdale - your boat sounds very near the same as what I bought. 1983 w/180 hours. Prev. owner had it operating about a month ago he said, but he said it sat in a old barn for quite a long time before he picked it up. Did not know that about the marine starter, Thanks I do like breathing.

 

[O.P.]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Jewwells<br />Check and see if other electrical accessories work. Try the up and down trim, that's something that's going to draw a few more amps than lights would so you might can hear it going slow or weak meaning it's probably a elctrical problem affecting the whole boat. If the starter isn't even making a click or clunk noise then you could have a batt. wire loose as was mentioned. Don't forget to follow the Main Ground from the battery to the engine block and make sure it's tight. Check to see if it has a battery disconnect switch that might have a loose wire on it. In-law had a 2001 Chaparral he bought as a repo. Cranked fine at the auction, trailered 150 miles got home and no start. Raise engine compartment lid and tried it and we could hear it making a LOUD arcing noise. Ground wire at the back of the block vibrated loose while trailering and was arcing a huge flash. Cleaned spot on block tightened and good to go.<br />It's the simple things that usually get you.<br />Lawrence

 

[robertrall]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Just be carefull with the old screwdriver trick.... There is a guy in my town that has been in the burn center for over a month because of gas fumes in the engine compartment when he hit the starter with the screwdriver. Just make sure to air out the compartment before making any sparks!<br />Rob

 

[jewwells]

Re: 1983 350cid Alpa 1 won't start

Thanks for everyones help!!<br />Not sure what fixed it, but it is starting & running great!<br />Spread the pins in the harness & reconnected, played with gear shifter. Then as Emeril says BAM, she's a running.<br /><br />I think a Mercruiser repair manual is in my future. <br /><br />Any one know if these Executive boats are still made? I have looked around on the internet but unable to find any information about them.<br /><br />Thanks Again for Everyones Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!