Mercruiser 140, Hot battery when trying to start.

[shaggywing31]

I have a Mercruiser 140 attached to a 1987 Doral TRX.
replaced the alternator belt last night and hooked up the muffs to try and start it. Tried to start the boat and after 4 or 5 tries the battery died. came close to starting before battery died.
So I got another battery and the motor actually turned over a couple times but wouldn't stay started. Heard some clicking as well.
Second battery also died and the battery terminal was very hot.

Going to try it again later tonight with a recharged battery, but any suggestions on what might be wrong??

I'm hoping it will just start, but not sure.

Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser 140, Hot battery when trying to start.

The first thing is have the battery load tested.
Then check all connections from the battery to the grounds and starter.
Clean all connections shiny clean with emery cloth or light sand paper.

With a good tested battery and all connections cleaned and the problem still exists the starter may be pulling way too many amps.

Continuous cranking will get the cables hot and battery warm...

 

[shaggywing31]

Re: Mercruiser 140, Hot battery when trying to start.

Could cranking the engine over too many times kill the battery though?
Thank you for your suggestions, i will try that tonight.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser 140, Hot battery when trying to start.

Could cranking the engine over too many times kill the battery though?
Thank you for your suggestions, i will try that tonight.

Yes.....and the starter can be damaged if you keep cranking on it without letting it cool off.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: Mercruiser 140, Hot battery when trying to start.

There is a lot of amperage going out of that battery. You can actually weld steel with that battery.

And as Gary said sounds like you are cranking it way to long and will fry that starter. Let it cool off. If it doesn't start after 10-12 seconds of cranking, find the problem why. Just continuing to crank it won't fix your problem.