starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

[jvigier]

95 VP with Ford 351 5.8 FI

Starter turns but doesn't engage. I can hear the loud whirring noise of the starter gear turning but flywheel is staying put.

I know how to work on cars but novice on boats.

On a vehicle, I would turn the cam and try it again...take a light ballpein hammer and tap the starter...

I don;t know where to start on this.

I should add that my son forgot to take out the plug a few weeks ago and the heavy rains left a lot of water for a couple of nights in the boat, I don;t think it was enough to flood the whole engine but again...I stink at this stuff.

After the rain, the boat started just fine, this starter problem only happened after I blew the alternator belt last weekend. (don't think I strained the battery as I only had to run 1/4 mile without the alternator to get it back to dock).

Today, I took the alternator out, bench tested it, sanded all the pulleys, painted and hooked it back up. Installed a float switch and new bilge pump since I was at it. When I put everything together, all I got was the spinning noise...no starter engage.

Thoughts???

 

[Colliemcc]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

Sounds like your solenoid is gone bad as it not pushing out the bendex and it is getin power
You could take it off and bench test it.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

If water got into the starter, the shaft could be rusting and not allowing the starter bendix to extend to the flywheel. Could also be as simple as a low battery since your alternator belt broke.

 

[jvigier]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

If water got into the starter, the shaft could be rusting and not allowing the starter bendix to extend to the flywheel. Could also be as simple as a low battery since your alternator belt broke.

Tested battery, little low so replaced but problem still occurs. Went up to a 27 battery and still exact same problem.

Going to pull the starter when the weather cools a bit tonight. Hopefully a tear down and clean/lube does the job.

Any thoughts on marine starters on fleabay? The have mine (aftermarket) for under $100?

 

[jvigier]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STARTER-MOTOR-93-99-VOLVO-PENTA-INBOARD-5-0-5-8-70125-/120659857471?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item1c17e3503f

This is what I found on eBay...

 

[jvigier]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

Don S: you were right. Starter was completely corroded. Took it apart and cleaned it, put a drop of lithium grease on the bendix shaft and hooked it all back up.

Now nothing but a little click.

Ordered a new starter, should be here Wednesday.

Sheesh

 

[jvigier]

Re: starter problems? 95 4winns w/ 5.8 FI SX

Don S: you were right. Starter was completely corroded. Took it apart and cleaned it, put a drop of lithium grease on the bendix shaft and hooked it all back up.

Now nothing but a little click.

Ordered a new starter, should be here Wednesday.

Sheesh

Starter installed, fire up right away. Hoorah!!!