Slow Spinning Starter

[doug1894]

I have A 1882 50 HP MERC. When I turn the key the starter only spins very slow. When I jump start with cables bypassing the selenoid, the same thing happens. The wires get real hot and smoke comes off the neg battery terminal and I noticed a little smoke coming from around the top of the starter shaft. Bad Starter or bad Wires ? I used a fresh fullly charged batter and there appears to be very high current drain when I attempt to start.

 

[doug1894]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

Sorry about the typo. This is a 1982 merc. I just measured voltage between the battery ground and starter lug. When I crank it, there is 11.2 volts. Is this a starter ? can I rebuild, How ? thank you

 

[JB]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

Sounds like a bad starter, to me, Doug. How easy is it to hand turn the flywheel?

 

[doug1894]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

I can crank it over by hand pretty easy. This motor was running just last week.

 

[Stumpys]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

Now this is the one subject I do know about... Rebuilt starters and alternators for about 10 years, so I think I know one thing on this forum. HA <br /><br />The armature either has an open in the where it connects to the commutator, brushes are gone, or the windings shorted. Some starters has permanent magnets, and some older ones had fiels coils. They can short out over time. <br /><br />JB is right... Time for a starter. Good luck <br /><br />Just so you know... The proper voltage should be at least 12.8v. Anything less, the current goes up and it is hard on the windings and brushes.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

Good job, Stumpys! Starter it is... My only suggestion, would be a starter rebuild shop in the area that would save a bunch of money, as opposed to a new one. Would you agree, stumpys?

 

[Stumpys]

Re: Slow Spinning Starter

I know it sad to say, but it does not take no more than $25.00 worth of parts to fix your starter (if the armature is still good). Just because it is a marine starter, they like to rape a person for more money...<br /><br />rickdb1boat I agree...<br />I would suggest taking it to a local rebuilder and see what they charge versus buying a new one. It still could be something simple as the brushes are gone.<br /><br />Remember, low battery voltage can burn up even a new starter. It causes the curent to go way up, and current is heat.