Starter motor problems? Starter cranks slowly.

[aliikane]

I have a 2007 Larson 180. It has a Mercruiser 135 hp engine. I haven't taken the boat out for months then took it out and had a really difficult time starting it.


The main problem was when I would start it, the starter would not crank. It would make a click and then do nothing. At first, I thought the batteries were dead because the starter would not crank. Then I just held the key in the start position for like 5-10 seconds and then the starter would turn over but very slowly. It sounds like the starter has a difficult time cranking and is kinda frozen. I did end up getting it started but it was very hard after several tries.


I have checked the batteries and they are charged. The rest of the boats electronics are on when I turn the key.


Anybody have suggestions at to what the problem may be? Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter motor problems? Starter cranks slowly.

I have a 2007 Larson 180. It has a Mercruiser 135 hp engine. I haven't taken the boat out for months then took it out and had a really difficult time starting it.


The main problem was when I would start it, the starter would not crank. It would make a click and then do nothing. At first, I thought the batteries were dead because the starter would not crank. Then I just held the key in the start position for like 5-10 seconds and then the starter would turn over but very slowly. It sounds like the starter has a difficult time cranking and is kinda frozen. I did end up getting it started but it was very hard after several tries.


I have checked the batteries and they are charged. The rest of the boats electronics are on when I turn the key.


Anybody have suggestions at to what the problem may be? Thanks

Ayuh,... It's most likely corroded wiring ends...
Remove, sand, clean, reinstall, 'n grease ALL the starter's wiring ends...
Including ALL the Grounds...

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Starter motor problems? Starter cranks slowly.

Ayuh,... It's most likely corroded wiring ends...
Remove, sand, clean, reinstall, 'n grease ALL the starter's wiring ends...
Including ALL the Grounds...

Agreed, however it may be the cables themselves, not just the connections. I had the same prob, did what Bondo suggests, but prob remained. Tho my cables looked mint, they actually corrode UNDERNEATH the crimp, where the crimped on connector contacts the cable wires, not visually apparent. One of the connectors actually pulled right off I got some new connectors from NAPA, cut a inch or two off of each cable, crimped on new connectors. Then slathered liquid electrical tape on them to seal out moisture and... Wa La! cranked like a sumbch.

 

[wags]

Re: Starter motor problems? Starter cranks slowly.

my Volvo 4.3 v6 had the same issue and i found that a exhaust manifold was leaking and spayed seawater on the starter and it corroded up I replaced the starter and fixed the leak and all is well.

 

[aliikane]

Re: Starter motor problems? Starter cranks slowly.

thanks for info. both assessments seem likely to be the cause. there was a point in which there was a water leak from one of the hoses when I first got the boat. took the boat in to warranty and they fixed the leak but the water may of caused some problems to the starter.