2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

[gmarsella]

I store my boat in a mild climate during the winter (just don't have time to get down to it). Finally went last weekend and had trouble starting the engine. Battery showed voltage OK, starter sounded OK but the belts wouldn't turn and the starter made a high pitched noise. Tried several times and then finally took the boat back to the house. While on land I tried again and finally she started fine. Hooked up the engine to the hose and ran her for about 10 miuntes. Then took her out for the next few days and had no problems starting at any time during the 2 days (and we started her many times). Any suggestions on what may be causing this and how to avoid in the future after a long storage? Starting her during the 6-month storage period periodically isn't an option (she's locked away in a garage in a remote part of Mexico). Appreciate any help; thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: 2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

First thing you need to do next time you are at the boat is to get the engine serial number. There is no way to look things up by year. Merc has it all listed as 1998 and above. Also need to know what drive you have.

Next you really need to look at the engine and find out what pulley is not turning when the belt doesn't turn. That would tell you what is about to fail.

Do you do any long term storage maintenace on it? Like running on muffs and flushing the cooling system? Oil changes? gear lube etc?
That 6 months is just like winterizing except you don't have to drain the cooling system to prevent freeze damage. other than that the rest needs done.
Here is a thread that explains a lot of it.
HOW TO: Winterize your engine and drive*/ 178695

and then you have this one
HOW TO: Summerize your Winterized boat*/ 192804

And before you head to the water, go through this checklist to make sure everything works before you go.
View attachment Beginning of season Checklist.pdf

 

[gmarsella]

Re: 2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

Thanks Don; I will look for the serial number of the engine on the paperwork that I keep up here in the US. I do winterize the boat each fall; I drain all of the water by removing the 4 blue plugs; also change the oil & replace the oil filter (each Spring). I flush the engine each day after being out in the water for 15 minutes with fresh water using the muffs. I also bring the boat up every 3 years & have her serviced in the US at the dealer in San Diego. I will reply tomorrow with the serial number. The boat is an inboard/outboard stern drive. Appreciate your quick reply!

 

[gmarsella]

Re: 2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

Don, serial number of the engine is 1A064307; any help you can offer with this information would be great. Thanks again.

 

[Don S]

Re: 2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

You have a Mag 350 MPI with a Bravo drive. You also have an engine mounted raw water pump that may be locking up as well.
You do get a new impeller every third year don't you?
It's really impossible to say how to prevent the belt stoppage without knowing what is stopping it. I would have to bet corrosion has something to do with it.

 

[gmarsella]

Re: 2008 Mercruiser 350 trouble starting after 6 months storage

Thanks Don; I'm not sure if I get a new impeller every third year or not but since this is the year that we'll bring her up for the service I'll be sure to mention it to the service folks. I think corrosion has something to do with it too; the good news is that she'll likely start for the rest of the summer and then I'll bring her up for service in the fall before storing her away for 6 months again. Sometimes the service guys treat me like I'm an idiot so I wanted to be able to mention a few options to them as possible solutions just so they know I do my homework. Appreciate your help; great forum!