Starter problem! Maybe?

birdgod

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
275
Hi, first of all I have a 1989 force 85hp ob on a 17" spectrum. I bought this boat 6 years a go. I have the starter replace 4 years ago since the original starter give up on me. Recently, I am having trouble starting my motor, it takes longer to start it as the chock is not working. Then two week ago, the starter start to give me problem, when I crank, the starter will turn over very slowly but it manage to get the engine started. At first I thought that it was the battery problem. So I took out all battery and charge it individually and use a multimeter to test it. They all seem to hold the charge, then I put the battery back and try to start the engine. This time it turn over even slower, about 1 turn per second. Ofcause it can't get the engine started. I took the starter out and clean it inside. It look nice and clean, the brass connector look good. I put the starter back and it acted the same......

Here is my questions. I tested the start with all three battery, it act the same so I assume the problem is with the starter.

1) how long does a starter normally last? I go it replace 4 years ago. Seem like it is too new to be bad?

2) how to I test it? It turn fast and strong by itself without any load, once back on the engine, it became weak again.

3) the starter look really clean inside. Why does it lost "power"?
 

scottmm73

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2012
Messages
261
Re: Starter problem! Maybe?

Sounds like the battery cables are the problem if you insist on #3.
 

birdgod

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
275
Re: Starter problem! Maybe?

the connector is "good" as I jump the starter directly using a jump start cable for testing.
 

scottmm73

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2012
Messages
261
Re: Starter problem! Maybe?

Jumper cables can not handle the amount of amperage required for a proper start. If you have taken the starter apart cleaned and reinstalled the brushes, the cables have to be the problem.
 

birdgod

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
275
Re: Starter problem! Maybe?

It is a big jumping cable that use to jump cars. Are ou sure? Does it means that I have to change the whole wiring of the boat?
 

birdgod

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
275
Re: Starter problem! Maybe?

Problem solved. Well it turn out to be the batteries. I have three battery on board one for engine and two for trolling motor. Turn out they are getting old at the same time, well they were bought at the same time. I took another good battery I have sitting around and put in on t it crank up fast and strong. Thanks.
 
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