4.3 no start: starter whines and spins freely

[ShoalSurvivor]

Hi All,
After engine started fine, then stalled, then restarted, then stalled...
my starter started to make this whine with no apparent engagement of the engine.
Is this a broken starter or the connection to the flywheel?

Also, is there a procedure for flushing saltwater out of a non running engine?

thanks!

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

I read:
if the starter motor spins but fails to crank the engine, the causes wad corroded or gummy Bendix drive.
so, I pulled the starter:

Despite the appearance, the plunger does move up and down, though I cannot say if it's "free".

Seems like an obvious candidate for replacement.
I've got part number 50-863007A1
Im finding $70 new units on Amazon and others, and $250-300 at marine shops.
Comments welcomed!

thanks!

2004 Mercruiser 4.3L 225hp 4bbl Quicksilver repower SN: 90004747 (#807736R11 / 03252004)
Alpha 1 Gen II - Transom: 0L517680 Drive: 0L192679 1.62 R (1.81R scratched on top) original drive may have been SN: L40356

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

New starter on the way.

Does this flywheel look "normal", or is this indicating greater issues?
FWIW, the engine fired up and ran.

thanks.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Your slinging around a lot of water best guess the starter got very wet and seized the bendix. May want to add a small pump as far back as you can and turn it on when you advance the throttle

 

[Scott Danforth]

Agree that the rusty flywheel means you have lots of water in the bilge

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

Replaced the starter. Engined fired up almost immediately, ran for about 20-30 seconds, then sputtered out. I had backed off the throttle after it started to about 1k rpm, but that was not at idle. I was unable to goose it back up.

I was also unable to restart it. I tried first without pumping the throttle - no start.
Pumped a few times, then tried again - no start.

I could see fuel in the top of the carb. Is that "flooded"?

Since it started and ran, it seems like a fuel/throttle issue and given that I just replaced the carb, im wondering about the carb adjustment. Is there a default adjustment on the carb specifically for this engine?

I'll give it a few hours and try again.

Guidance and troubleshooting steps welcomed! Thank you!

 

[dubs283]

I could see fuel in the top of the carb. Is that "flooded"?

Most likely

What is the condition of the ignition system and what type do you have? Have you confirmed good spark?

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

I have not confirmed sparks, but it did start and run. Would that be possible without good sparks?

Also, I had a storage water/bilge issue with lots of corrosion. I replaced carb, starter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil. Maybe fuel pump?

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

What is the condition of the ignition system and what type do you have?

I have a Thunderbolt V ignition.

 

[dubs283]

I have not confirmed sparks

Okay, you need to confirm good spark

I have a Thunderbolt V ignition.

Then check/set idle timing

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

I checked all the plug gaps, and set the idle speed screw (just touching cam) and idle mixture screws (1 1/4 turn out).

I cannot check the idle timing if it's not running, however it was running previously and no adjustments were made.

It started right up on the first try, ran for 15 seconds, then puttered out. Same as last two days, I was unable to restart it again. There appears to be fluid in the carb.

Could this be a fuel pump issue? Is it possible that it's getting enough fuel to start from priming, but then not enough fuel from the pump while running?

I didn't check sparks becuase it started, but will if it helps.
thanks!
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