Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

[t3chwh0r3]

I have a 1988 21' Larson with a Mercruiser 5.7L V8 with Alpha One gen one outdrive. I went to start it and realized that my batteries were dying. It clicked and tried to turn over but not enough juice. It was time for new batteries anyway so I went out and bought new ones. Once I put them in and hooked them up I tried to start it up. This time there was only a single click when I turned the key. I'm thinking the starter went. Sound right?

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

Before replacing expensive parts, see if following along in this thread linked below to see if it will help guide you through with finding out what may be wrong.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ting-your-engines-starting-system-167035.html

Good luck.

 

[makonnen]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

Check your connections to the battery. Are they clean? Tight? Fit properly?

Even if they are, take them off, use a proper battery terminal cleaner to give them a scrub.

 

[makonnen]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

Also check connections to starter slave solenoid.

Check its operation, I'll bet this is creating your clicking noise.

When ready to dive deeper into the diagnosis ... is the engine hard to turn with a ratchet and socket? Is one of your cylinders filled with water?

 

[t3chwh0r3]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

Thanks to both of you! I'll start with your suggestions and report back.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

If you still have the old batteries maybe they are OK and you could possibly return the new ones.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

sounds like corrosion on the cables. make sure each and every cable connector is cleaned.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7L V8 wont start after replacing batteries

mako, please dont advise taking a ratchet to the nose bolt.
A soft click is usually the slave solenoid, a hard crunch is the starter. a cylinder(s) may have water in them. pull all the spark plugs and try to spin the motor.