97 Mercruiser 4.3 starter, grinds at first turn

[samm835]

I have a 1997 merc 4.3, when getting to the lake for the first time starting the boat almost every time when you turn the key the starter grinds. Once the boat has started and ran it won't do it again for the rest of day. Then once the boat has sat for around 24 hours.....all over again. These starters are in the most PIA places, but I am thinking about taking off and having it looked at, maybe the spring load is getting weak? I just hate taking these off because of the locations. Anyone had anything like this?

 

[alldodge]

I have a 1997 merc 4.3, when getting to the lake for the first time starting the boat almost every time when you turn the key the starter grinds. Once the boat has started and ran it won't do it again for the rest of day. Then once the boat has sat for around 24 hours.....all over again. These starters are in the most PIA places, but I am thinking about taking off and having it looked at, maybe the spring load is getting weak? I just hate taking these off because of the locations. Anyone had anything like this?

What is the status of the battery and connections?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... The next time it sits for a day, pull the spark plugs, 'n spin it over,.....

Look for water sprayin' outa the back or center cylinders,.....

 

[samm835]

Two batteries, with perko switch. Batteries are in good shape an plenty of charge. Bondo, I will do what your asking......but why? I've checked the oil no water or discoloration. All the plugs?

 

[alldodge]

Two batteries, with perko switch. Batteries are in good shape an plenty of charge.

My question comes from you mentioning that it grinds. Grinding tells me the starter is not engaging all the way. If the teeth on the starter is not fully engaging then a bad connection could be an issue

 

[Bondo]

Two batteries, with perko switch. Batteries are in good shape an plenty of charge. Bondo, I will do what your asking......but why? I've checked the oil no water or discoloration. All the plugs?

Ayuh,.... A bad manifold/ riser dumps water on top of the piston,.... could cause the starter to bind, 'n grind,....

Are the manifolds/ risers 1 piece or 2 pc,..??

Have ya checked the starter's mountin' bolts to see if they're tight,..??

 

[samm835]

I did check and tighten all the mounting bolts for the starter. I am not certain, but I believe they are two piece manifold risers. If water did get into the top of the piston, wouldn't you see some in the oil at some point? Or would that water be burned off after she starts and gets warm? I will open all plugs tonight, and turn the key over and hopefully NOT see any water shoot out, should I put a paper towel over each plug to make sure it either has water, kind of hard to turn over and look back in the engine bay. Thanks for the help.