4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

[wboustani]

I haven't started my boat for 2 months now.
When I turn the key, i hear a click but nothing move.
took it to a mechanic, he put the lever on forward and tried to turn the propeller but he was not able to turn it. he took 2 spark plugs, one was OK, the other one bit rusted. he concluded that I need new engine.
Can anyone help me validate his theory or is the engine definitely shut. thanks.

 

[boat1010]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

I guess we would have to know how reliable the mechanic is. I guess we would have to know where the water came from. Is it a cracked block? What did the other cylinders look like. You might put a little oil in the cylinders and try to turn it over with a wrench. But if the mechanic is reliable then I would think you are in for some expensive time. Best of luck.

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

You mechanic has one thing we don't ....... the boat. He probably did more than look at a spark plug and declare it's time for a new engine.

If you are asking if rusty spark plugs can mean you need a new engine. Yes, happens all the time.

 

[wboustani]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

tkx for the quick reply.
- So how do I introduce the oil to the cylinders, thru the spark plug opening?
- How to turn the engine: is it the lowest pulley?

 

[dubs283]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

yes to both of your questions

turn the engine over without the plugs in

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

Yes and Yes.. See how many cylinders are wet, have water. Leave the spark plugs out as well If you can get it to turn over..then started, Do a compression check.. Then you will know a whole lot more about what ya got goin.Is there any visable cracks on the block ? Where are you / could the engine suffered freeze damage? Do you really mean you havnt started your boat in 2 months, no biggie Or 2 Years ?

 

[fossill]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

If the engine is seized, forget about a compression check. Sounds like someones looking for a miracle fix.

 

[wboustani]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

is it a good idea to put WD-40 then OIL????

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

salt water: 24 hrs to get it running
fresh: maybe 72 hrs to get it running
More than that the pistons rust to the bores and NOTHING will free a stuck piston(s).

 

[wboustani]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

So I took the spark plugs and the belt around the engine axle. I turned it with the wrench and turned right away. I guess my mechanic was wrong. I followed where the click is and it turned out it is coming from the slave solenoid. I had one spare, i changed it. Now I hear a streak of tic tic tic tic tic tic coming from the starter, any idea what this is?
still engine does not start....
thanks

 

[dubs283]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

is the battery good and fully charged??

 

[wboustani]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

yes, the battery is fully charged.

 

[dubs283]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

a rapid ticking is a sign of a weak battery but if you insist it is good and fully charged (load tested) then the starter solenoid could be your issue

try rapping on the starter to get it to engage - if this works replace the starter or have yours rebuilt

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

Bad cables or connections maybe.. Sometimes they corrode under the crimped on connectors, then even if the connections are clean and purdy, you can still have voltage issues.

 

[boat1010]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

You can pull out the starter and take jumper cables to the starter and see if it works. Then if it works like that work your way back to the switch. Like others have said connections corroded or loose.

 

[gshldon]

Re: 4.3 l Mercruiser, clicks but does not start

I would actually take the starter and the battery out and take it to your nearest auto parts place and have them both tested, they usually do that for free, and it is a good way to check and make sure they are both good or bad.