starter struggles to engage

[OttawaAquaBoy]

I recently had to replace the starter on my 3.0L Mercruiser. I had a boat lift failure and ended up with water over the starter. The brushes were all stuck and the solenoid was badly corroded. I tried to have it rebuilt but they suggested a new one.
There is no water in the oil and everything runs fine, I have just had some issues with the starter struggling (slow, kind of a "RUHR.......RUHR......"then starts right up when cold - when engine is hot it I have to play a little more, i think the choke needs adjustment) on the first two or three turns, then it seems to be fine.
Batteries both tested fine.....
Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Maclin]

Re: starter struggles to engage

Check/clean all battery and starter cable connections, positive and negative all the way from battery to the compnent or engine block.

Look at all cable and wire ends, they could have wicked up water and started corroding the wires inside.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter struggles to engage

Pull the starter off and see if there are any marks on the starter housing rubbed there by the flywheel.