boat wont start

[idahoboater13]

I just bought my boat. I had a new ring gear and flywheel installed 10 hours ago at a boat dealer. I took it to the water this spring and the starter just grinds, pops or zings. I have replaced the starter 4 times in a month. I get a few good starts then another one goes out. I have had it to a starter shop, 4 mechanics, and have still cant seem to have the same issue. In talking to the old owner this is why he sold the boat. It is on its second motor which is an omc but original stuff in mercruiser. Any ideas whats making this thing fail? Or a fix?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: boat wont start

What engine? Assuming you have the right starter / flywheel combo. If it is a small block Chevy, one thing you may want to consider is installing a front support if it doesn't have one. I had a 350 in my truck a few years ago that had a similiar problem. A couple mechanics looked at it and couldn't figure the problem. Finally noticed that the starter moved quite noticeably when trying to start. Once I added the right support backet, (available from a Chevy dealer - it is apparently an option on some starters. That's why the upper screw that goes through the starter often has a stud on the end of it), the problem was solved.

 

[idahoboater13]

Re: boat wont start

I have a 350 chevy. And tried had a support fabricated to brace the started. I had the flywheel inspected and the mechanics say its ok. I was told by the shop that replaced the flywheel and ring gear that they used an automotive stuff. I have also tried shimming.

 

[idahoboater13]

Re: boat wont start

Originally posted by talari210down:<br /> I just bought my boat. I had a new ring gear and flywheel installed 10 hours ago at a boat dealer. I took it to the water this spring and the starter just grinds, pops or zings. I have replaced the starter 4 times in a month. I get a few good starts then another one goes out. I have had it to a starter shop, 4 mechanics, and have still cant seem to have the same issue. In talking to the old owner this is why he sold the boat. It is on its second motor which is an omc but original stuff in mercruiser. Any ideas whats making this thing fail? Or a fix?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: boat wont start

bummer.<br />try a new mechanic- a more experienced one.

 

[O'Jim]

Re: boat wont start

So, after having new flywheel/ring gear installed, (just this weekend, right?), it still does the same thing? Did the boat shop re-use the same starter, or put a new one in?<br />Hoping they would have also installed new starter and solenoid/starter drive mechanism.