Mercury 200HP OffShore Died

[Randy22]

Have twin 200 engines. Just had props reworked and took boat out for first time in almost a year. Both engines ran great (starboard had a little trouble staying cranked at first) on first leg headed from launch to boat lift (mile). Took it our few hours later and all seemed good from temp, oil, etc. While up and running, the starboard engine began to die. You could hear that something wasn't right and it when from 4900 rpms or so to 0 in about 10 seconds. Tried to restart but wouldn't even turn over. Sounded like the starter was trying to engage but all you could hear was a "bump". Haven't had a chance to put back on trailer but in meantime, thought I would ask if this sounds familiar to anyone. I do have individual batteries for each engine but I would think if the battery shorted or something, it wouldn't kill the engine. One of the guys on the boat said he felt a vibration so not sure about what that might mean. Any thoughts/ideas/experiences would be appreciated so when I do get it on trailer, might have an idea of where to start. Thanks.

 

[Randy22]

Some new information on my engine issues. I removed the cowling and watched the starter try to engage but it couldn't (it does spin up to the fly wheel teeth). It tries to start but not sure if the starter is not engaging and turning the flywheel because the starter is weak or if the engine is seized. I tried to turn the flywheel by hand and I could get it to turn some but not in a complete turn. Bumped the starter by bridging the wires on side with screw driver but didn't really change anything. It does engage up to the fly wheel but that is it. Almost looked like one time it was wedged between the teeth on the flywheel and starter teeth as I had to tap the starter to get it to go back to the lower position (after motor has cranked). Took the cowling off my other engine and I can turn it with my hand so makes me wonder if something is wrong internally. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Dukedog]

Opti's or regular motors?

sounds like it stuck a piston or worse.. pull tha plugs and check for metal deposits on 'em.. try turnin' it over with starter and by hand with 'em out.. check gear case grease/oil for water and/or metal deposits on tha magnet...any thing not right there, drop tha case and try turnin' motor over....

if tha motor turns freely after doin' any of tha above do a compression check.....

 

[Randy22]

Thanks for the ideas. Doesn't look like a good situation the way it just died. The motors are regular, not Opti's.

 

[Randy22]

Still haven't gotten boat back on trailer to check but wanted to run something past you guys. Had a local repair outboard repair guy that I ran into tell me to drop the lower unit as that could have locked up therefore causing the flywheel not to turn. I replaced my impellers/water pump, etc. couple of years back so no issue dropping it. Just wanted to see if that could be a probable cause and if worth time to do so. Thanks.

 

[Shawnmm]

Those bad lower units will fool you. Its definetly worth checking. My bet is thats it.