Merc 260 alpha 1 starting problems =(

[nalegtx]

the boat is a 1989 Chris Craft Seahawk 254 with a Merc 260 (GM 350 motor) I/O. originally the motor would crank slowly, then eventually turn over. this lasted 3 days, then it started doing the weak turn over with the "clicking" noise. Battery terminals were loose, tighten and go the same condition. Had the battery load tested and was good. I removed the starter and bench tested it. Failed miserably, so i purchased a reman starter from Advanced Auto, got it installed, charged the battery and she did the same clicking, hard to turn over noises. when i added a battery charger with 50amp start mode, she cranks over, starts but sometimes makes a loud "pop" or "clunk" noise. not sure what to do here. The ring gear looks good, no broken or missing teeth that i can see ( very very tight quarters to work with)

 

[Bt Doctur]

have you checked the battery cable ends and the connections,especially the neg engine block

 

[nalegtx]

all the cables are tight, dry, clean. But the battery ground and positive cables are ring terminals....i want to change them out to automotive style clamp terminals for the posts currently not being used and save the ring terminals for all the accessories.

 

[nalegtx]

well....ended up finding some water in the starboard cylinders =(....pulled the manifolds and riser....going to do a acetone leak test later this week when work allows for it. with the plugs out she cranked super smooth, no noises, nothing weird. hopefully its an easy manifold fix for the leak and i'm on the water again this weekend=)

 

[acdc96]

the starter you purchased from advanced auto, is that a car starter or marine starter? if its a car starter get rid of it now before you blow you and your boat up!!!

when my starter went i bought this one: Mercruiser marine 4.3 5.0 5.7 6.2 Liter GM STARTER SDR0031-L
it works great and is a really cheap price.