Is this a starter problem?

[Zim]

I have a 89 Mercruiser 4.3L and wanted to see if it would turn over. Well when I turn the key, it clicks... but nothing after that. Sound like a starter is out? Is the clicking Im hearing the starter solenoid? Any ideas? The thing doesnt crank at all, just one click when the key is turned and thats it. Battery is fully charged.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I would start by checking all of the connections, & make them all shiny clean......
Then......Read this......
http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=24;gtid=1104170;gpid=1104170

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Thanks a lot, I was searching for something like that but didnt stumble upon it. Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

When you check battery cables, check both ends -- not just the battery end. Just because you think the battery is fully charged, it may not be any good. Put a voltmeter on it it. Then watch the meter as you turn the key. If it drops below 10.5 volts you have a battery issue.

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Its a brand new battery, and my voltmeter reads enough voltage to start it, it just doesnt do anything after that solenoid clicks.

Im going to get a test light and go through that link above.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Instead of the light, buy a meter.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I have and suggest both. Light works quicker for me when checking continuity. Use the Meter for checking Voltage.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I agree that it is quicker but can you detect 10V vs 12.5V with a light when a circuit is under load?

Sometimes the quick check causes you to spend more time in the long run.

Probably just the "electrical engineer" in me. I want to know the exact detail.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I agree that it is quicker but can you detect 10V vs 12.5V with a light when a circuit is under load?

Sometimes the quick check causes you to spend more time in the long run.

Probably just the "electrical engineer" in me. I want to know the exact detail.

You are right there. Depends on what part of the project I am on. Presently I am looking for Dead Shorts, broken wires, missing or cut wires so the light is handy for me. But I also use to test 9 Volt Batteries without the benefit of a Voltmeter :}

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Well, starter seemed to be fine... now the motor makes about a 1/8th rotation, then stops and wont turn over any more than that. Any ideas?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Have you checked the cylinders for water?
Now you need to pull the plugs out & see if you can turn the engine over by hand.....

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I think you are correct - it is the starter. It is best to check all connection first if it still doesn't kick all the way over then pull the starter and take it to napa for a bench test. Mine would kick about 1/8th a turn then quit. Turned out it was the starter.

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Have you checked the cylinders for water?
Now you need to pull the plugs out & see if you can turn the engine over by hand.....

I pulled the plugs already, and can only crank it by hand as far as the starter will crank. When I pulled the plugs they didnt look corroded, rusty, or wet at all so I dunno. Also checked the oil and its not milky at all, I wish I could see in those tiny little holes!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

You tried to turn it by hand with the plugs out, Correct?

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Correct

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

You used a breaker bar or socket on the bolt on the harmonic balancer & it would not turn with the plugs out?
The next step would be to pull the drive & see if it will turn.......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

I pulled the plugs already, and can only crank it by hand as far as the starter will crank.

Ayuh,.........
Well,...... Now it's time to Pull the Drive,....
It's Only the 6 Nuts on the Drive,+ the 2 on the Rams......

Then you'll Know whether it's the Motor,.. Or the Drive that's Locked Up...........

 

[Zim]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

What are the "Rams"?

And are these 6 nuts on the inside or outside of the transom?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

There's the Drive,(the Outdrive Outside the Boat)

It's held to the Gimbel Housing by 6 7/16" Nuts,(they takes a 5/8" socket)

There's 2 Hyd. Rams mounted to each side of the Drive,(remove the 2 on the Back,+ loosen the 2 on the front, they take a 9/16" wrench,+ socket)

Put the Shifter/ Controller lever in Forward before you even Begin this,... Everything is Always in Forward when working on Merc.s.................

After you remove the 8 Nuts,....
The Drive can be Pulled away from the Gimbel Housing,.....
Be Careful,... It Weights 80Lbs.......

Now the Motor will be Disconnected from the Drive,......
If you Still Can't turn the motor over with a Wrench,......
It's Gotta come Out.............

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Is this a starter problem?

Outside.....
The rams are the piston looking thigs attached to the outdrive.......
You need to look at this.....
http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=24;gtid=1254604

Don't forget that the drive must be in forward at the helm.......