starting question

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 6:49 am Post subject: starting question

OK - mercruiser 4.3 - when I start to crank it it wont turn over - everything else works and it only does it a few times a day - for about 10 attempted cranks then it cranks right up? - I've moved check batt. cables - what else could this be? stereo and everything else has plenty of power - it just doesn't seem like the battery ---- hmmm anyone have a similar problem? thanks

BIZ · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 184 City: Dallas

possibly the starter solenoid, i had the same thing happen on my Nautique a couple of years ago.

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 7:03 am Post subject:

OK, stupid question, thats what my husband said it probably was, but when he looked for it - we couldn't find it? where is it located on the mercruiser?

vette74 · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 7:14 am Post subject:

It is on the starter, look at the pic of this auction

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7904676624&category=33576

It is the small short cylinder all the wires hook to.

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 7:33 am Post subject:

I don't guess there is any differnece in the marine starter and the regular starter - so I can pick one up at NAPA or AutoZone?

holiday13 · Soul Rider Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Posts: 325 City: Flemington

There is supposedly a little difference between marine and regular, but if you pull it there should be 3 wires and 2 bolts, pull it out and take it to the nearest NAPA and ask for a rebuilt starter to replace that one, usually about $30

Blue22V · Soul Rider Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 290 City: Double Oak

When you say it won't turn over, do you mean the starter cranks the motor, but there is no ignition? Then you are on the right track, if you mean that the starter won't actually move the motor or is truggling, and you feel like the engine when running sometimes gurgles a bit you may have a cracked exhaust port or cylinder head. The motor you have is known to have this issue, and water gets into the cylinder ports. You then are killing your compression, valves and other internal parts. You could lose the whole motor. If a new starter or solenoid doesn't fix the problem let your marine mechanic look at it for you. A $50.00 service charge could save you the cost of a whole new motor.

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 9:22 am Post subject:

the starter just clicks when you turn the key, but only a couple of times a day - then after 5 or 6 times of trying to (click) start it it fires right up?

the boat runs like new otherwise - we had everything check out at the end of last season - all was good - it just started doing this in the past few weeks - so I'm hoping its something simple

but thanks for the input I'll certainly keep that in mind

microman · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 10:04 am Post subject:

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 10:12 am Post subject:

OMG that pic is worth 1000 words!

microman · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 10:19 am Post subject:

mmoody · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2004 Posts: 32 City: San Antonio

sounds like the starter solenoide to me if it is just pull the starter and go to a starter repair shop and get a new solenoide will save you tons and from what I have heard the having the marine starter motor is the important thing and the sylenoide is just the same. but do make sure you get a heavy duty one if availible

riverfreak · Posted: Jun 16, 2004 4:50 am Post subject:

called the boat dealer and they said the above so I'm taking it Monday to a shop! Thanks for the advice - hopefully thats all it is!