Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

[jpugh87]

I just recently got a 1986 Larson with a 170 mercruiser in it. The guy swore up and down it would start. Well for one he bought the wrong starter and took the original start apart and and put the gear in the starter he had purchased. After buying a new starter and installing it. I wired it the way the manual said too, I have power to everything in the boat but the starter. I turn the Key, Nothing at all no solenoid click, no starter. What am I doing wrong. I used my voltage meter the see if there was power and when you turn the key there is power in the ignition terminal, and the ignition side of the solenoid. Please help I would like to be able to use it this weekend for memorial day. Another thing I know it is possible to get gas in the oil when something is flooded, but I pulled the dip stick and the oil is thin and smells of gasoline. any help will be greatly appriciated.


Thanks

Jake

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

If you have power at the large terminal on the starter from the battery, and power on the small terminal for the ignition switch, and a good ground, it should crank.

Run a jumper from the large terminal to the small terminal, (Being sure it doesn't touch ground Example-the body of the starter anywhere except the terminal post), and see if it cranks. Can us a piece of wire, I usually use a screwdriver.

You can get fuel into the engine either by the carb or bad fuel pump diaphragm.

 

[jpugh87]

Re: Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

Got the starting issue fixed it was my solenoid was shot lol. Now when the starter kicks over the drive pulley does nothing. Does this mean my block is locked up. If so can you fix the existing block by over haul or rebuilding it, or do I have to purchase a new or used engine.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

Have you pulled the plugs to see if it will crank over?

This is a prime reason why we recommend that people get a proper water test when buying a boat.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

Have you pulled the plugs to see if it will crank over?

This is a prime reason why we recommend that people get a proper water test when buying a boat.

Ditto on that.

It also may be a magnet has come loose under the front "harmonic balancer" and jammed in there. This engine has a stator under it to charge instead of a regular alternator, unless yours has been converted.

Think I would pull the plugs and try turn her over, and probably the outdrive as well.

 

[jpugh87]

Re: Mercruiser 170 Starting issues (HELP!!!!!!!!)

Funny thing is the guy pulled the starter off his other merc 170 and the block fired up didn't make any of those noises. The mechanic told me I got the wrong starter that you can only use the starter intended for the motor because it mounts on the oppsite side and has a longer shaft and gear then all the other gm starters. So I ordered a new starter for a 170. And to the other guy with the magnet comment, I never thought about checking that because I had that problem with mt other boat it has a 470. I will check it out thank you for the idea