Starting and High current draw issue Merc 3.0LX

[Rake722]

Hi All, I wonder if you can help me with this.

We have a new to us boat and we have had it starting and running nicely and know compression is good and there are no major mechanical issues.

Its been stood for a few months since last starting it and we came to start it today with little success.

Firstly, it cranks slow then we see smoke coming from the starter and its real hot so we quit cranking.

In the starting department we check for spark - no spark at plug, no spark at coil. Check fuses - corrosion - cleaned fuses - spark returns but still no start and then the smoke from the starter begins so we stop.

the battery is new and a heavy duty leisure bat so I brought it home to charge but the indicator is green suggesting that its ok.

Fuel - we added 30 L last time we went but the instrumentation is not giving any readings

Kill switch - any way to test this ? I dont think its that but my kid flicked it to the off position today - could that be a coincidence or has he uncovered something.

Any help would be gratefully received. I think we have a couple of issues here i.e. the smoking started and the poor / non existent spark.

Thanks

 

[alldodge]

With a smoking starter there won't be much else working.
Things get hot if they are shorting out (drawing to much current) or if there is high resistance. If only the starter was hot then need a new starter. If the cables where hot then need to remove both ends and clean all sides to shinny metal. Do not forget the grounds

 

[Rake722]

Thanks alldodge.

so you don’t think it could be the slave solenoid ?
tje bolt visible on the starter was glowing red hot

 

[alldodge]

No, the slave only pulls in the starter solenoid on the starter, and it was pulled in because starter was turning

You could clean your cables first just to rule out that issue

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I don’t think you’ll get much of anything if it’s not turning over as it should. Have you pulled the plugs out it and tried ? Look for water in there too.

 

[Rake722]

No, the slave only pulls in the starter solenoid on the starter, and it was pulled in because starter was turning

You could clean your cables first just to rule out that issue

OK I’m getting right on to this. Cables and terminations first then pulling the starter if not.

tje battery case has sold terminals and a switch on the top that adds extra terminals to the system too so will clean em all up and check for corrosion in the strands too

 

[Bondo]

tje bolt visible on the starter was glowing red hot

Ayuh,..... That terminal is corroded,......

The added resistance is what creates the heat,.....

 

[Rake722]

Thinking about it - I had to tear down all contact on the trim pump as they were corroded so why would this be any different. Gonna throw some new cables with fresh terminals at it first