how can I test if I have a bad starter on my 4.3 volvo penta ?

[alan ber]

I am in Fl and use my boat weekly .
Engines 2 Volvo Penta 4.3

Weeks earlier installed 2 new batteries after new long blocks were installed . Long blocks have new starters .
New engines, new batteries , Hoping no problems for a while HA HA LOL

Running fine , then starboard engine had weak starting .? How can that be , those batteries are new, new starter .

If a starter has issues , can one of the symptoms be weak cranking like battery is weak not getting enough juice ?

Returning too boat yesterday with a extra new battery, Removed other batteries too check
Connected Port Engine Fired up fine ( removed cables )
Connected Starboard Engine cables, weak cranking ? back too Port Engine Fired up, back too Starboard weak .
Put a charger on bit better and fired up ?

Starters are new on these new engines and I have a warranty but I have too trailer a 31 ft boat 130 miles each way and
history on this shop is HURRY UP & WAIT so trying too fix myself prior too that call

UN RE- LATED OR RELATED ? With electrical its going too work or not work and tuff too find and correct

Never having too deal with battery cables on this boat could the switch be an issue
Let me explain
SWITCH - PERKO OFF - BATTERY 1 - BOTH BATTEIIES - BATTERY 2 is this a 3 or 4 way switch ?
Jumping off switch is a few push button fuses for bilge radio that is mounted into box that switch is mounted too inside aft cabin . I can get too back of switch in engine room
What I did notice I was able too start boat in any position OFF would not start ?
Adding too this electrical issue , I am having a generator issue .
Grounding something causing Kohler generator have a electrical smoking? . .
Calling Kohler , could be a simple fix like a starter relay in box or complex . ,

I am wondering all issues I am having including generator goes thru a series of connectors, red circuit breaker buttons starter cables, battery cables all connect into Perko then it goes too batteries . .
.
I am going have too label everything , disconnect from perko test each and every cable
How can I test the Perko ,
.
My only testing equipment is 12 volt battery tester and a Harbor Freight meter .

Thanks as usual boaters

 

[dennis461]

A weak starter motor or a 'tight' engine will have the same symptoms.
Sounds like you have eliminated any loose wire connections.

I would swap the starter motors (port to starboard) and see if the hard starting moves to the other motor.

 

[Grub54891]

New batteries, new starters, start simple. Make sure every connection is shiny clean, including the main grounds. Then let us know what you have. Just looking at the connections don't count, pull them apart, and clean them.

 

[alan ber]

After my long winded post I called the engine shop .
He did say starters are new . He offered too send me replacement but getting too starter is a bear .
My 100 lb grandson learning a lot helping me in engine room ,
Shop is leaning towards grounding .
I bet it's he ground cable off the engine too battery Starter is grounded off engine In my post I indicated cranking was better when I put battery charger on the new battery which is fully charged and cranked the port engine fine
The battery charger was the better ground and it cranked slowly compared too the port engine but it started
See I type and a light bulb goes off answering my own questions

 

[Grub54891]

The battery charger was the better ground and it cranked slowly compared too the port engine but it started ​

See I type and a light bulb goes off answering my own questions

I told you to check the grounds.........​