1986 Force 125hp Slow to Crank

[chrisnewport]

I am came upon a free 1986 Force 125 motor and having some issues with it cranking. Dude that had it was a commercial fisherman and didn't have the time to work it. It has a brand new West Marine deep cycle 650 MCA, the engine is suggested at 450 MCA so think I am good on that end. The engine cranks maybe once or twice then the wire heats up and throws the circuit breaker. Out of curiosity I popped the valve cover off to see the pistons travel. Cranks just fine with the cover off. Put it back on and back to 1- 2 cranks. Cant even test for spark or fuel due to this problem. Power head looks good, pistons travel fine with no gouges in cylinder sleeve. I was thinking maybe starter is going bad so it doesn't have the mechanical power to crank the engine. Motor is out of gear so that's not an issue. Help please!

 

[racerone]

What valve cover did you take off ??------------Take the starter apart for inspection.---------Take ohm reading from shaft to commutator.-----Should read infinity on your digital meter.

 

[chrisnewport]

Sorry not valve cover, cylinder head cover.