starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

[gpolino]

Ok so here is my issue, this is a new boat for me this year and I am trying to fix the problem with the guy who sold me the boat. The issue is when I would try to start the boat I was hearing a grinding noise which eventually turned to a spinning sound. Like the starter was just spinning and not engaging. So we pulled the starter and installed a new one. But I am still having the same sound and the boat still isn't starting. All we are getting is the same spinning sound. I think I read on here somewhere when I first had the issue someone posted something about the flywheel being part of the issue?

Any takers on advice?

Thanks

 

[peachead]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

Does your starter have the support strap/bracket that holds the rear of the starter to the side of the block? If not, have someone watch the starter as you crank it to see if the starter is "twisting". The boss that the outboard bolt threads into might be cracked and is letting the starter **** to the side, thus not letting it engage properly with the flywheel.
I had a '95 Wellcraft with the 4.3 that did this.

 

[fishinpa]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

If all looks well with starter mounting

ignition off and key removed

turn engine half a revolution or so with the crank pulley .

put key in and see if starter engages and tries to turn over engine.




fish

 

[crdpoker]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

As Fish said, barring the engine will help diagnose flywheel. If you pull the starter, just shine a flashlight back there, and you'll be able to see all the teeth on the flywheel. Bar it over a little at a time and you can see if any sections of teeth are damaged/missing. The teeth on your starter should also be a telltale sign.

-CRD

 

[gpolino]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

i also was just found out that one of the bolts was broked when we took out the old starter!!!!! the new is held in by one bolt.... the other is still inside broken off..... i recieved price quotes of around $1,200.00 said they would need to pull the motor to tap out the brokend blot and when replaced should solve the issue..... NO PARTS ALL LABOR. any thoughts on that??


ps had checked the sflywheel i think that looks ok.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

i also was just found out that one of the bolts was broked when we took out the old starter!!!!!

You just found out about the broken bolt? Of course that is the problem. Why didn't the person who knew about the broken bolt tell you this?

 

[gpolino]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

im guessing because i bought the boat form him and now that im making calls cause he is taking to long to fix it he had to give me all the info.... anyway to get around this or do i have no choice but to pull the motor.

 

[6meter]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

Have heard of people having luck with a right angle drill and a reversed drill bit. Both brand new will be alot cheaper than $1200.

 

[peachead]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

I made a plate out of aluminum that I bolted to the rear of the starter, I ran a piece of all-thread from the plate back to the rear of the block, thru an un-used bell house hole. It stabilized the starter. It has been on the boat for 4 years. My daughters boyfriend has the boat now. I can take a picture for you if you want.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

im guessing because i bought the boat form him and now that im making calls cause he is taking to long to fix it he had to give me all the info.... anyway to get around this or do i have no choice but to pull the motor.

Ok...that makes sense. I wonder what caused the bolt to break in the first place? I wonder if he ever hydrolocked the motor.

 

[indy440]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

The bolts vibrate loose, then break from the vibration and from the starter bouncing around.

It just happened on my boat and I fixed it last weekend with a left-handed drill bit and a right angle drill.

 

[gpolino]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

hey peach.... yeah try to post that pic i will give that a try befor we pull the motor....

 

[peachead]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

Will do as soon as I can!

 

[peachead]

Re: starter problems with my 93 larson with a 4.3 merc

Here Ya go gpolino!