Mercruiser 3.0 squeal keeping engine from starting

[1997BR176]

Hello, helpful members. I have a 1996 Crownline BR176 I picked up last year which we’ve taken to the water about 3x before without any issues. This past weekend, we were on the lake cruising about 5 mph and the engine just stalled and wouldn’t start back up. I’ve rechecked at home and still the same - just cranking but no go and I also noticed that this engine squeal seems to be the one that’s keeping it from the engine running. It is not the belt because I’ve already disconnected and confirmed the water return pump and alternator are spinning freely without any issues. I’ve also tried starting without the belt connected and it is still giving me this squealing sound. I’ve searched here and it points to either fuel pump or maybe a seized gimbal bearing but it sounds to me that it is actually coming from the inside of the engine but I’m not really sure. I’m hoping someone on here is familiar with this specific sound and can help. I’ve attached a vid and I have more but I think this one clearly shows the sound I’m referring to. Any help or point in the right direction is much appreciated. TIA!

 

[1997BR176]

Hello, helpful members. I have a 1996 Crownline BR176 I picked up last year which we’ve taken to the water about 3x before without any issues. This past weekend, we were on the lake cruising about 5 mph and the engine just stalled and wouldn’t start back up. I’ve rechecked at home and still the same - just cranking but no go and I also noticed that this engine squeal seems to be the one that’s keeping it from the engine running. It is not the belt because I’ve already disconnected and confirmed the water return pump and alternator are spinning freely without any issues. I’ve also tried starting without the belt connected and it is still giving me this squealing sound. I’ve searched here and it points to either fuel pump or maybe a seized gimbal bearing but it sounds to me that it is actually coming from the inside of the engine but I’m not really sure. I’m hoping someone on here is familiar with this specific sound and can help. I’ve attached a vid and I have more but I think this one clearly shows the sound I’m referring to. Any help or point in the right direction is much appreciated. TIA!

Here’s another video if the attached one doesn’t work.

 

[Scott Danforth]

start by pulling the drive

 

[66stingray]

Definitely sounds like a bearing or pulley seizing. Was the noise there before it stalled? Not starting and bearing noise could be 2 different things going on.

 

[1997BR176]

Thanks for the replies. That noise was not there before the engine stalled. It was after I took it home is when I noticed that noise that seems to be keeping the engine from continuing to start running

 

[66stingray]

Since noises are hard to diagnose over the internet, start with the basics. You have oil pressure when cranking over? No water in oil correct? Try getting a stethoscope or even a very long screwdriver to pin point where the noise is coming from. Shouldnt be too hard to find it is pretty loud. With the belt off you eliminated the alternator and water pump. Anything visible that seems to be rubbing? Are you getting spark and fuel?

 

[dubs283]

start by pulling the drive

this

do this first

see if noise goes away

 

[1997BR176]

Thank you all for the replies. Yes, all the basics you mentioned do check out. I will try the long screw driver to isolate where it’s coming from. If all else fails, it looks that the drive will have to pulled as recommended here too. Thanks again

 

[1997BR176]

So got the out drive out today and same noise/squeal seem to be the one stopping the engine from continuing to run.

 

[1997BR176]

Outdrive out

 

[Paintman1960]

So got the out drive out today and same noise/squeal seem to be the one stopping the engine from continuing to run.

Feel bad for ya, That is very strange, I almost gotta wonder bout timing chain n gears maybe.
the squeal is very odd too
I been watching this thread

 

[1997BR176]

I know. This was supposed to be the first summer we were going to have full use of it after picking it up late last year. Our first trip this year and then this…

I hope there is someone that can help. I really can’t afford $1-2k of additional expense.

 

[dubs283]

appears you have a definite internal engine issue, first step is to check compression at all cylinders

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

So got the out drive out today and same noise/squeal seem to be the one stopping the engine from continuing to run.

if you watch that video, at about 18-19 seconds you get a puff of smoke at the back of the engine followed by a squeak. It sounds like something hitting something else to me. What's back there in that area? To the left of the starter?

Could a flywheel bolt or coupler bolt have backed out enough for the head to rub on something as the motor rotates?

 

[nola mike]

I'd pull the plugs and belts and turn the engine over by hand at this point, see where it's binding

 

[1997BR176]

Plugs off, turning over with starter and seem ok.

 

[1997BR176]

if you watch that video, at about 18-19 seconds you get a puff of smoke at the back of the engine followed by a squeak. It sounds like something hitting something else to me. What's back there in that area? To the left of the starter?

Could a flywheel bolt or coupler bolt have backed out enough for the head to rub on something as the motor rotates?

The smoke was just the exhaust because I’m inside my garage with a fan on.

 

[Sunburn71]

Did you try cranking with the plugs in, all accessory belts off? Water pump siezing could be a thing...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I would turn it over by hand not with the starter so you can fell if something is hanging up.

 

[dubs283]

have you looked under the dist cap?

engine turning over smooth like that but hardly running could be a timing issue, like a broken/bent rotor tang?