starter motor issues

[brianwellcraft]

Hello, i have a 1988 wellcraft 190 classic with a 3.0 mercruiser I/O. The boat sat for a while before i bought it. The last registration i could find on it was in 2004. I bought it without it having a battery but determined the engine was not seized by turning propeller with boat in gear to turn engine. Once home i connected a battery to it, took out the spark plugs and it cranked over freely. Some simple maintinance and cleaning of the engine and i got to try and start it. I used other posts to troubleshoot the electric problems (no spark) and that worked great. Once i had spark i put the plugs in and it cranked right over and i let it run a couple of seconds before turning it off. Since turning it off it has not worked again. The starter just clicks once, as if it is trying to engage the flywheel and can not turn it. I tried the propeller trick again to make sure the motor did not seize, and i am able to spin it and the lower pulley of the motor turns. The battery when checked before i was writing this was putting out 11.96 volts after trying the starter numerous times, but that should still turn it. The wire on the back of the starter was getting the same voltage as well, so it is not a connection issue. im confused as to why this happened immediatley after the motor ran, when it cranked flawlessly before that from just turning the motor to troubleshooting the electric. Any help is appresiated, since i go back to college and with the price of books cant just throw money at it with guesses

 

[SledHed89]

Re: starter motor issues

jump the two big studson the back of the solenoid with a screwdriver. if it cranks over the starter is no good thats where i would start.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: starter motor issues

if it cranks over the starter is no good thats where i would start.

So let me get this straight. After you use a screw driver to jump the starter and melt the threads on the studs in the process, and it "cranks over". The starter is BAD???

Get your multimeter and check for voltage at your solenoids while someone is turning the key. Just make sure the voltage is going where its supposed to when its supposed to. Make sure your battery is fully charged and capable of supplying the amps that is needed to turn over the engine. If in doubt have the battery tested.

If your battery is good and the voltage is going where its supposed to then pull the starter and have it tested...

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: starter motor issues

The starter is an electric part and can fail at any time.
Mine failed in the middle of the lake when I stopped to pick up a skier. It didnt start again until it came back from the shop after being rebuilt.

 

[brianwellcraft]

Re: starter motor issues

i ended up taking the starter motor out today after hitting it with a rubber mallet did not work. the starter did not turn even when not connected to the engine (but still in the wire harness). The starter continued to just make one click per key turn. I took it to two auto parts stores, that both have free testing however both machines were not working, go figure... the gear on the starter barely turns by hand, with a lot of pressure. Im assuming that its no good and seized at this point

 

[cr2k]

Re: starter motor issues

That would be indicative of a dead starter. You may be able to have it rebuilt at a fair price. Marine starters are a bit pricey but DO NOT use an automotive unit as it is illegal and can ignite gas fumes and blow your boat and family to bits.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter motor issues

Are you sure the starter is what "Clicked" when you hit the key?
Might want to test some things. Read this thread and see if it helps.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: starter motor issues

I was about to ask the same thing Don asked. It is usually the starter solenoid that "clicks". If the solenoid is not working then the starter won't turn over. Check the starter solenoid first. It's a lot cheaper to replace than a starter.

cr2k is right. Marine starters are ignition protected. That means that in an explosive atmosphere (fuel vapors) it will not ignite the vapors. Auto starters are not. Also marine starters are typically more rugged than auto starters. Yes it costs more but it can save your life.

 

[SledHed89]

Re: starter motor issues

So let me get this straight. After you use a screw driver to jump the starter and melt the threads on the studs in the process, and it "cranks over". The starter is BAD???

Get your multimeter and check for voltage at your solenoids while someone is turning the key. Just make sure the voltage is going where its supposed to when its supposed to. Make sure your battery is fully charged and capable of supplying the amps that is needed to turn over the engine. If in doubt have the battery tested.

If your battery is good and the voltage is going where its supposed to then pull the starter and have it tested...

yes that would indicate a bad solenoid and hence a bad starter. on the marine starters if they sit for a while one of the "segments" on the armature can go bad and when a brush stops on it it will just quit cranking. a starter for that motor should go for around $85 at least it does near me