4.3l Merc cruiser

[Bjacoby]

I just recently joined. I bought a 2000 Maxum 1900 with a 4.3L Merc Cruiser. The engine tries to turn over then just stops. The motor has not been turned over in a year or so. The blower and everything works. When i turn the key over the engine turns very slightly and stops. I do not know really anything about engine motors. If someone could please give me some advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nola mike]

Well... Many possible things to check. First, you need to assume that nothing has ever been done to the boat. There's a ton of maintenance that you should do before taking it on the water. As for not turning over--first thing I'd do is pull the plugs and see if you can turn it by hand (not using the crank bolt to turn). You need to see if it isn't turning because of a bad battery/starter, seized engine, outdrive.

 

[Bjacoby]

Thank you for the info I already changed the battery. I am hoping the engine is not seized up. I will remove the plugs and check to see if it turns. Then i will check the starter.

 

[nola mike]

Thank you for the info I already changed the battery. I am hoping the engine is not seized up. I will remove the plugs and check to see if it turns. Then i will check the starter.

Don't turn it by the crank bolt.

 

[Lou C]

remove the plugs and try the starter again. If you have any suspicion that the engine might be locked up do not put a socket on the crankshaft bolt, if you break that off you'll be in a world of hurt!
There are adapters you can bolt onto the crank pulley or harmonic balancer that can be used to safely turn the engine over with a ratchet.

 

[todhunter]

There are adapters you can bolt onto the crank pulley or harmonic balancer that can be used to safely turn the engine over with a ratchet.

Thanks for posting that...just ordered one. I can use it on my truck rebuild I'm doing right now, then I'll have it for the boat when I need it.