Condensation causing starting issues?

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Last weekend we had a rain storm and I had rain make its way into engine compartment of my 4.3 mercruiser. I took plugs out and checked oil and that much looks good. Now I have stating issues as the starter doesn't seem to engage long enough to turn the engine over. Also, after a ride today it stalled when pulling up to the dock because of low idle. I'm guessing its because of condensation in the distributor. So what do I do about it or what else can it be?

 

[Bondo]

I'm guessing its because of condensation in the distributor.

Ayuh,... So is there water under the cap,..??

If so, flush it out with WD40, then wipe is clean, reinstall, 'n try it,....

 

[gm280]

What Bondo said...

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

so I did just that and as soon as I put the distributer cap back on, it started right up. Then after running it a while, shut it off, and go to start it and right back to where it was before and doesn't want to take right off.

 

[Bondo]

as the starter doesn't seem to engage long enough to turn the engine over.

Ayuh,.... Sounds like a bad/ dyin' starter/ bendix drive,....

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Yes, could be but whats strange is the coincidence with the condensation issue and that after I cleaned the distributer cap, it started right up. It was all just fine till the rain made its way into the compartment.

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Also, the starter isnt but a couple years old.

 

[Bondo]

Also, the starter isnt but a couple years old.

Ayuh,.... Once a starter goes Swimmin', it's end is established,......

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Gotcha. Guess that is where I will go from here. Thank ya much!!

 

[gm280]

BOWTECH, you could remove the starter and disassembly it and work it over. I mean clean the armature and commentator and replace any brushes that are worn. Also check and clean/replace any bearings that are tight. Starters are not very hard to rework if the windings are good...

 

[BOWTECH.JUSTICE]

Alright gm, I will look into that when I take the starter off. Today when I went to take the boat to the ramp and load her up, she started right up for me. So is it possible I can squeak by for rest of summer?