Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

[scooter808]

First post, how is everyone? I've looked through a lost of the posts and did some searches but I'm having a problem that I can't seem to figure out. Basically, when I try to start the motor, I hear one single "pop" sound from the engine compartment, it makes this sound as soon as I turn the key, with no other noises. The battery is good, checked the connections at the ignition, they are clean and connected. My repair book says to check the "20-amp main fuse" and here is where I am confused. I can't find the fuse. I have a circuit breaker. I am not great with a voltmeter, my friend is ok, but I don't even know where else to troubleshoot. My thinking is that the it could be the circuit breaker, starter solenoid or the starter itself. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

You have a Mercruiser I/O, not a Mercury outboard, Scooter.

I will move this for you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

I am not great with a voltmeter, my friend is ok,

Ayuh,....

You might want to find another friend who's Great with a DVM,.....

Finding the Popping Noise is just a matter of Looking,+ Feeling for it.....

Fixing your Starting Problem will require Following the Power, to see Why it ain't getting to where it's gotta be.........

Tell Us what your motor,+ drive are,+ about the vintage of it.....
Maybe We can point you in the Right Direction....

Btw,.... Welcome Aboard.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Well, in your 1994 3.0L Merc that you mentioned in the title of your post, when you say 'Pop" is that anything like a "Click"? or Clunk?
Whatever, try reading this thread for checking out the starting system WITHOUT a meter.

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

 

[watermellonI]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Welcome Aboard Scooter,
Sounds like you may have a fuse popping, at the helm usually, I think that s what your info is talkin about. You will need to find out why its blowing the fuse if thats your problem.

Electrical troubles are tough sometimes, they take a lot of patience and like Bondo says, find friend who is REAL good with a tester, or have them teach you.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

of all the junk i do.....
Electrical troubles are the easiest.....

but with any trouble shooting... it's all just running down the charts...

 

[scooter808]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Thanks JB, didn't realize I was in Outboard, won't happen again. Looked over the article about using the test light, good read. I will try that approach this weekend. The motor is in a 1994 Bayliner 1850, it is the 3.0LX with the Alpha stern drive, to answer Bond-o. As far as the "pop" or "clunk" it does sound similar to a fuse popping, but it will make the sound every time I turn the key, I would think if I blew a fuse it would only pop once, right?? The sound seems to be coming from the front and low (away from the drive) in the engine compartment, really hard to isolate it. I will try the test light procedures this weekend and hopefully find the problem, thanks for the help!!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Welcome to iboats......
I would get a remote starter switch & see if you can locate the noise when you are closer to the engine......​

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

As far as the "pop" or "clunk" but it will make the sound every time I turn the key,

Ayuh,....

Now I'm thinking the Starter is engaging, but the motor Won't Turn Over..... Clunk,...

How about giving Us some History on this Issue you've got,...??...

 

[Coors]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Ayuh,....

Now I'm thinking the Starter is engaging, but the motor Won't Turn Over..... Clunk,...

How about giving Us some History on this Issue you've got,...??...

Yeah or a loose ground arcing.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Hmmmmm, in that case I would pull the plugs, spin the engine by & see if anything comes out of the cylinders.....​

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

A fuse popping (to me) doesn't sound like an engine locked up, hydrolocked or anything that heavy, that makes a heavy CLUNK when the starter engages the flywheel. A fuse blowing makes a little click. Like a slave solenoid clicking.

 

[Coors]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

I may be old, but in my younger days, never could hear a boat,auto fuse blow....
Has to be a different sound.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

As far as the "pop" or "clunk" it does sound similar to a fuse popping, but it will make the sound every time I turn the key,

Ayuh,....

But Fuses,+ Breakers only Pop Once......

And now Clunk is mentioned......

 

[Coors]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Ayuh,....

But Fuses,+ Breakers only Pop Once......

And now Clunk is mentioned......

the locked engine...

Pull the plugs out and try. Is this boat new to you?

 

[watermellonI]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

alternator connections tight?

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

alternator connections tight?

The alternator connections could be taken clear off and wouldn't keep it from starting or the stater turning the engine over.

 

[scooter808]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

I've had the boat about a year, it was somewhat of a project boat. So when I bought it I performed all the general maintenance you do when you buy used. Ran pretty good considering its age. What started this was a storm blew through ripped my cover, and because of a blockage at my drain plug, I had some flooding in the engine compartment. I changed oil, plugs and it started right up, but wouldn't run well at high RPM, pulled the didpstick and had some water in there. Did another oil change, went to start the boat I heard the "pop" sound and that's where I am. On a couple occasaions before the water issue, the boat would be hard to start if it had been sitting for a while, I would have to keep turning the key, and after about the 4th or 5th time it would turn over. I had planned to change the ignition switch, I think that might be part of the problem. The sound seems to coming from the area of the distributor. Hope this helps, I haven't had a chance to try the test light yet, hopefuly that will give me some answers. All your guys help so far is awesome, thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

Remove the spark plugs and see if you can turn the engine over by hand.
Make sure the alternator belt is really tight and turn the nut on the alternator pulley clockwise (same as engine direction). Pushing on the belt may help if it slips a little.
The engine should turn easily. if not, remove the outdrive and try again.

Report back with your findings.

 

[Coors]

Re: Starting Problems 1994 3.0 Merc

And did the starter get under water?