Mercruiser 3.0 starter grinding?

[kerberos824]

I apologize if this issue has been discussed before, but I couldn't find my answer in the forums so far.

I'm new to power boats (and the forum) as I've only previously owned sailboats. I have a 2003 Bayliner 175 with the 3.0 Mercruiser and I/O.

I bought the boat last October, and it ran like a top the four times I had it out.

I was preparing to change the engine and drive oil, and wanted to warm the oil up a little since I have to pump it out. The first problem reared its head when all I heard was a loud click. Seemed like a corrosion/connection issue, because after I cleaned some of the contacts the problem seemed to go away.

Once I figured that part out, I went to start it again and all I heard was this miserable grinding sound. I put up a short video on YouTube so that you can hear what I'm talking about.

https://youtu.be/ipcSy4lkE4o

I'm looking for some help identifying the problem, and would love some guidance on the next steps. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lightwin 3]

Hard to tell but it sounds like the starter solenoid is not engaging the pinion with the flywheel.

First thoughts-connections, connections, connections,

Second, Rap on the starter, while cranking, with a dull object: piece of wood, rubber hammer, etc.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Pullin' the starter off is where I'd start, just to see what's goin' on,....

 

[kerberos824]

I appreciate the advice. I'll continue cleaning contacts and I'll give the starter a whack. I have to pick up a battery tester so that I can figure out if the battery is sufficiently charged. It was "new last year" according to the previous owner and spent the winter on a tender. Lights, radio, etc. work, but the outdrive won't move - solenoid just clicks. But that starter sound was so bad that I got distracted.

 

[kerberos824]

Replaced the starter this morning. Easy peasy. Started right up and is running great again. Thanks for the advice. On to the next problem of the sterndrive not going back down.

I don't know what I would do without this place. More information than I can even process. Thanks again.

 

[kenny nunez]

Check the relays to be sure there is 12 volts positive & negative to the pump. If you hear them click, then test to see if there is current coming out the relays when triggering the system. Those small relays are not as good as the earlier style that were much larger. I have had more problems with them than the earlier style. If there is current coming out of the relays then the brushes in the motor may just be stuck, it is not too hard to free them up after the motor is disassembled.

 

[RyanW1985]

If trim is same way as my VP for wiring I had down not working. Swapped relays and still didn't work, did jumper from 12+ to trim motor and it went down. Told me had to be switch or short in wire coming from switch, did continuity check and wire was good, did jumper to where break in switch wiring is and it worked, played with switch and it fixed everything.

 

[kerberos824]

So my weird problem is that it takes three, maybe four tries for the outdrive to do anything. Four clicks, nothing, fifth try. It goes down or up. So.... I washed the arms, WD40, as recommended....somewhere... but still doing the same. Takes a few tries, then goes up and/or down.

 

[Bondo]

So my weird problem is that it takes three, maybe four tries for the outdrive to do anything. Four clicks, nothing, fifth try. It goes down or up. So.... I washed the arms, WD40, as recommended....somewhere... but still doing the same. Takes a few tries, then goes up and/or down.

Ayuh,..... Sounds like corroded wirin' connections at the solenoids,.....

 

[kenny nunez]

When you try to use the trim does the pump run or just “click” ? I am betting on the relays causing the problem.

 

[kerberos824]

It was the starter. Or maybe a dead battery. But, if replaced the starter and then the battery and it was good to go. Was surprised how easy starter was. Then.. A bunch of other stuff. Seems pretty good to go. Hopefully?

 

[achris]

I've seen those solenoids give way more trouble than they should. Replaced too many of them... Most failures strand people... Here's what I'm doing for friends with those pumps....

In a discrete place near the pump I am putting a double action momentary switch (centre off), with a decent current rating, 15A is good. I run a heavy red wire to the centre point of the switch from the red wire on the solenoids, a green wire to one of the contacts on the switch from the heavy green wire on the solenoid and a blue wire to the other contact on the switch from the heavy blue wire on the other solenoid. I tell the owner, this is the emergency switch. It will raise or lower the drive if the normal switch on the control box stops working. That gets them out of trouble, and having me explain over the phone how to jump the terminals. Great for the non-electrical types..

A switch like this one -> https://www.allelectronics.com/item/sts-78/spdt-on-off-on-momentary-toggle-switch-15a/1.html

Chris.......