Grinding noise when trying to start 5.0 305 OMC Cobra

Challenger84

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
341
So today I was ready to take my project boat on a sea trial.
As I was in the drive way I put the muffs on and try to start the motor up before I hit the ramp.
Water on battery switch on and I drank the engine.
I hear a few clicks and then all of a sudden I hear loud grinding noise coming from the starter.
The engine tries to start and then finally does.
I shut it down and try a again.
The grinding continued. and then It would stop and start clicking.
I had to manually move the crank pulley a little bit to get it cranking again but with the grinding.
After the motor does start it sounds fine.

I just changed to a new starter a few weeks ago.
Here is a link of the starter I have installed.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-2280-marine-starter-v6-v8-gm-2-long-bolts-mercruiser-omc-sdr0031.aspx
Is this a cheapo stater?
I was wondering would the teeth on the starter give up before the teeth on the fly wheel?

I'm hoping that the teeth on the starter gave out instead of the teeth on the flywheel.


Why would this happen?
Was the starter not installed properly?
Not aligned right?
Would it be hard to replace the flywheel if that is the problem?

Not a good day for a sea trial. :(


Sorry for the long novel.

Thanks to everyone for their help and great advice!
 

EddiePetty

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
1,008
Re: Grinding noise when trying to start 5.0 305 OMC Cobra

....I would suspect the tooth count on the starter is wrong or the shim pack is not set correctly.
Can you describe the damage done to the teeth on the starter and the flywheel....pictures would help. :)
 

Challenger84

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
341
Re: Grinding noise when trying to start 5.0 305 OMC Cobra

I'll remove the starter tomorrow and will post up the pictures.
thanks
 
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