Boat won't start after running

[pcguy]

I have a OMC I/O 130HP motor. When boating, it starts up fine initially. after running the boat for an hour or so I'll stop for 30 min. The boat will not start after this. The starter rolls over but just barely. It will roll over once than quit. I replaced the battery and had the same problem. Tried to jumpstart it and it rolled over fine right away but it wouldn't start. Once the boat is out of the water it will start just fine again. After boating for awile, dead again. Not sure if it's a starter problem, battery(tried two different ones), etc. I was told to check for water in the oil, could this cause this? Please help, Thanks

 

[GUMBY]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Had this problem before, check to see if you are getting a spark from the coil. Also the starter might be getting too much moisture in it and shorting out, this will cause it to turn slow or not at all.<br />I have an OMC also, I,m having some problems with. I probably have had all the problems that you're having now, and you may have had some that I haven't had yet.

 

[pcguy]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Thanks, I'll give that stuff a try. I was thinking that maybe something was getting wet and shorting out. It's not much fun getting towed back after a few hours on the water.

 

[GUMBY]

Re: Boat won't start after running

No, it's not much fun, that's why I keep my trolling motor on board at all times!!!<br /><br />Good luck and let me know!<br /><br />...GUMBY

 

[Walter]

Re: Boat won't start after running

PC<br /><br />It sounds like your problem is heat related...once your engine's up to operating temp is when the starter has difficulty cranking the engine over, correct? If so, my guess is your starter is toast... After you shut the engine down, it's proned to "heat soak", because coolant is no longer circulating through the engine and heat is trapped inside your engine compartment. Heat creates greater resistance within your starter motor and if it's weak, either it won't crank at all or will barely crank. <br /><br />First thing to do is be certain your battery is in good order and all battery and starter cable connections are clean and tight. If all good, then check the voltage drop at your battery while you attempt to start the engine when the starter is acting up as you've described. If the voltage drops significantly...that's an indication you're starter is drawing waaaay too much current. Better yet, a clamp-on type ammeter will tell you exactly what the amp draw on your battery is. Excessive current draw and excessive voltage drop most likely point to a faulty starter. <br /><br />Let us know what you find...<br /><br />Walt

 

[Walter]

Re: Boat won't start after running

PC<br /><br />Before you tear out your starter based on the info I've provided...let's wait to hear what some of the other fella's opinions are. It's possible your engine is the problem...vapor or hydraulic lock perhaps?? I'm not very familiar with OMC and I'd be curious to see what other's suggest.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Walt

 

[pcguy]

Re: Boat won't start after running

OK, I'll wait and give the post a few days. Thanks for the great info. What you described about the starter could very well be it. When starting, I think it is draining the battery big time. If nothing else, I think I'll put in a new starter.<br /><br />Again thanks

 

[norman158]

Re: Boat won't start after running

sounds like a starter to me

 

[Walter]

Re: Boat won't start after running

I don't know if you've ever priced a new marine starter before, but they're considerably more expensive than a typical automotive starter. You should feel confident your old starter is faulty before spending the bucks on a new one. From what you describe...all fingers point to the starter. One other thing you might try when it's failing. BE SURE THE KEY IS TURNED OFF and try turning the engine over by hand. There should be a bolt head on the crankshaft pulley that you can place a socket and breaker bar to. If you can turn it over by hand...yet the starter won't crank it...then that's further proof your starter is the weak link.<br /><br />Walt

 

[GeeFrankk]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Had this same problem on a 1978 25hp rude, starter dragging, and sometimes would start the engine, checked everything electrical, then tore the starter down, and found it loaded with old, dryed grease at each end of shaft, cleaned and relubed with marine grease, problem solved.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Boat won't start after running

That's a great idea to take out the starter and open it up. If it is a more serious condition, consider taking it to a starter/alternator rebuild shop. It is far less expensive than buying a new or rebuilt one from your dealer. Dealers go and buy rebuilds from this shop.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Moving to I/O

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Be sure to clean ALL your battery terminals first!

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Boat won't start after running

something mentioned in passing by walter could be your problem. hydraulic lock. in his second post turning engine by hand might show a water in cylinder condition if it would only turn a little and then bind up. an easier check would be to pull all the plugs when this happens and look for signs of water in one or more cylinders. water leaking in from exhaust system would be most likely suspect if any water is found. hope it is the starter due for a rebuild. that is cheaper and easier.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Do the battery cables get real hot while trying to turn it over?<br /><br />On cars, this no-hot-start problem is sometimes caused by the battery cables being too narrow a gauge. Thicker cables solve that problem.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Boat won't start after running

I had a similar problem with a lawn tractor. It was just very weak starting when hot. Found out the starter was just toast. Replaced the guts and now she turns over like new.<br /><br />Starters are electric motors prone to all problems that any little electric motor has to put up with. A new battery with a junk starter will equal an engine that does very little work.<br /><br />Look at that starter...

 

[arboatdr]

Re: Boat won't start after running

Could the carb be flooding thru after shut down? This would explain hyd. lock and the hard to start after running. Before you buy a new starter be sure to check the carb. Look for gas in the oil. You may want to check your timing as well. A motor out of time will amplify the symptoms of a weak starter. Good luck!!

 

[Thunderstruck]

Re: Boat won't start after running

I would replace the starter

 

[Bhamil]

Re: Boat won't start after running

You bet, replace the starter. A motor that draws 12VDC will have a 12VDC voltage drop across it when it's running so a voltage drop test will do you no good. The clamp-on ammeter is a good and reliable test but I'll bet you don't own one. So, don't waste time doing the test in the boat; pull it out and take it to a shop that rebuilds starters and alternators (not your local automotive shop. They are well intentioned, but their tester isn't meant for big drawing starters) and have them load it up. I'll bet when it's hot, its draw is way too much current and you need to either replace it with new or rebuilt. They can be pricey but I had my Bayliner 3.0L starter rebuilt for $90.00 and I think that's a good deal.

 

[Darian F.]

Re: Boat won't start after running

hmmmm. Suggestion when you get it hot again disable the spark and try to spin over. If the engine spins fast or like normal the problem could be ignition timing.