Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

[twinsjunkie]

On my first weekend, boated 4 hours when the starter died and got towed in. I had the starter rebuilt and put back in, took it out twice since. On the the 4th of July boated about 5 hours and starter died again. It makes a grinding type of noise when trying to turn over. The engine compartment is dry. I am taking the starter back to the place which rebuilt it for me, but is there something causing this thing to go out? When its in the water and failing its very warm to the touch. Someone told me the "bendix" is out of it again - but I thought that was part of the rebuild. Is there some reason why this is going out on me - other than a poor rebuild job? Thanks.

Its a 5 liter, chevy 350 block, volvo penta motor on a 2000 Larson Deck boat escape 233.

 

[twinsjunkie]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

Ok, heres what I've learned - whats causing the starter to go out is water getting into the cylinders. I dont have milky oil and the boat runs fine without overheating for several hours prior to the starter suddenly not working ( no doubt due to water in the cylinders ). My short term solution is to let the boat idle while I change tubers, kneeboarders, etc... to keep water from entering. This is a quirk of this boat apparently and hopefully, this will be a band-aid until I can figure out the true solution. The boat doesnt have floppers in the exhaust system, so I'm not sure why water would be entering. Typically I have a bunch of people in the boat and when its shut off while we are changing stuff, several are in the rear of the boat, thus weighting it down in the area and leaving it susceptible to taking in water while the motors shut off. Certainly theres something else awry. Anyone with any experience with this type of thing? Thanks.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

I'd pull the exhaust risers and check the condition of the manifold and riser mating surfaces, gaskets and water passages. Its a relatively easy check and is commonly the reason for water in the cylinders.

Good Luck.

 

[twinsjunkie]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

hey thanks, given that I'm taking the boat on vacation this friday, do you think my short term theory of not shutting the boat off will get me thru until I can have time to let it set in a shop to get worked on?? If the motors running will I be safe from having water in the cylinders?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

About as safe as "Riding Bareback" if you know what i mean.

 

[captmello]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

hey thanks, given that I'm taking the boat on vacation this friday, do you think my short term theory of not shutting the boat off will get me thru until I can have time to let it set in a shop to get worked on?? If the motors running will I be safe from having water in the cylinders?

Can't say if your safe or not. If its coming in at the risers like I mentioned, it has nothing to do with people in the back of the boat. Not shutting off the motor only keeps it from hydrolocking and breaking another starter. Personally I'd get it checked asap. Pulling the risers and replacing the gaskets is an easy job. Up to you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

Ayuh,... I'm guessing the motor sits Too Low in the hull,...
You need to install a set of Riser Extentions...
Atleast 3", maybe 6", to get the exhaust turn over Up Higher...

 

[mkast]

Re: Volvo 5 liter starter problem....

hey thanks, given that I'm taking the boat on vacation this friday, do you think my short term theory of not shutting the boat off will get me thru until I can have time to let it set in a shop to get worked on??

Experience has turned me into a cynic and a firm believer in Murphy's Law, which states, "When you can lest afford to have it hit the fan, that's when the manure truck shows up!"