OMC 5.7 turns but will not start after swapping out starter

[TheWarrior71]

Okay, the back story. Starter was acting up and grinding. Removed it and had new solenoid and drive installed. Re installed the starter. When it did turn the motor, it seemed to be weak and the engine sounded hollow. The grinding remained. New starter bought and installed. Starter turns the motor but.....it sounds hollow and seems to be turning slower than before I started this little project. The engine will not fire at all. Fuel is flowing. Will not fire on starting fluid. 12+ volts everywhere it should be. Timing light on four different wires show spark impulse when motor is turning. My concern is the hollow sound in the motor and the seemingly reduced starting RPM. It just doesn't sound right. Also I need to verify that weak spark is not an issue. What could have happened when I started removing the starter. I have checked and re checked. I think something moved, broke, touched something or Murphy put his laws to work. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Lou C]

Ever check the engine for water in the cylinders?
If it's a points ignition is the purple wire from the distributor hooked up on the solenoid?
Battery cables clean and tight including the engine ground?
Timing right (too advanced will cause problems w/cranking)...

 

[TheWarrior71]

No water in the cylinders, EST ignition and the purple was checked, The cables are good and before I started to "fix" this the timing was fine. What scares me is the slow hollow sound. I am at a loss, but Monday will tow it back from the mooring to the dock and I am looking for things to check, It was an immediately difference when I reinstalled the old starter and sounds the same with the new starter. Not firing is the problem I want to solve.

 

[mixerjv]

Could be wired wrong - doesn't the ignition resistor wire bypass come off the solenoid for providing a bigger spark while cranking?

That could be why it was working before, and now you still have a timing trigger but the spark is too weak, the resistor wire is not being bypassed while cranking.

 

[Silvertip]

There is an "S" terminal and an "R" terminal on the solenoid. "R" is the resistor bypass (if used). "S" engages the solenoid.