starter problem?

[JV1964]

I have a 350 mercruiser 1983. It is very hard to start..at first I thought it was the battery that was going bad but i have tried 4 new batteries and still have a hard start..
Starter sounds very weak.(lazy) and the cables get hot..it actually melted one of the terminals..When it does start the batteries won't charge...Is this all caused by a short in the starter or is my alternator also going.. The voltage needle fluctuates when she is running..from 10 to 12 back and forth...Thank you for the help

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problem?

You don't have a short in anything. You could have bad cables, loose connections, or a bad starter. The charging problem and starting problem are probably not related. Charging problem could be bad alternator, loose belt, or bad wiring.

 

[JV1964]

Re: starter problem?

OK thank you .. I guess the next step is to inspect all the wiring..If the alternator is bad is it possible to eliminate it and use a good onboard charger...I have used them on other boats in the past that did not have an alternator..I don['t know if it is possible to use it in place of an alternator? THanks for the help Don S

 

[Bubba_in_ct]

Re: starter problem?

Go for the new alternator vs. a onboard charger. Tough to recharge your battery out on the water.

 

[bamadave]

Re: starter problem?

JV1964, I need to satisfy my curiousity. What i/o boat doesn't have an alternator?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: starter problem?

Merecruiser 470/488
alum. block, 460 truck head,pistons.uses a water cooled regulator and a stator behind the harmonic balancer. the magnets are on the inside flange of the balancer.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: starter problem?

bt doctor just perfectly described an altenator. just not a belt driven one.

 

[bamadave]

Re: starter problem?

8) Y'all can teach this old dog new stuff all you want. Never knew.

 

[JV1964]

Re: starter problem?

bamadave I meant that i have used onboard chargers on outboards, not on I/O guess I should have clarified that...sorry.. THe thing is that I priced a new alternator for that 350 and I got a quote of about 270. I have seen some very good onboard chargers for that price..That is why I asked if I could just go with the onbaord vs. the alternator.

 

[bamadave]

Re: starter problem?

O.K., understand now. 8)Thanks but as mentioned, you need to be able to run all the electrical system without worrying if your battery will last the day. Even at 270.00 sounds cheap to insure a nice day of boating.
You should be able to have the old rebuilt for a third to half of new.