Starting issues - what else could it be?

[Cptkid570]

5.7 liter mercruiser, alpha 1 gen 1. (1985 260hp)

Remanufactured engine with less than 100 hours on it. Engine runs perfectly (when started). My problem is that the starter really drags, especially if the engine has been run and is warmed up. Engine turns freely by hand (well, I didn't have any problem turning it with a ratchet and socket on the front pully).

Starter will barely turn the engine though.

Here is a list of items I'm going to do (everything is new on this engine, so I don't mind throwing some new parts at it).

New starter (even though mine tests out fine when on the machine at the auto parts store, I don't know if it's performing under load)
New battery cables
New battery (even though mine are fully charged when I've been testing)
check the timing (starter did the same thing at different timing settings though)

I've already changed the slave solenoid.

I may even change the ignition switch (I have an extra one from an old boat that I know works).

Is there anything else that it could be?

 

[achris]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

Before you do any of that, do a voltage drop test. Your problem sounds more like a voltage loss than a part failure.

Get a multimeter and set it up on the negative post of the battery, the post not the terminal. Put the other lead on the starter housing, not the engine block. Get someone to crank the engine (remove the coil HT lead so it doesn't start). You are looking for less than 0.2volts.

Now put the meter leads on the battery positive post and the power terminal of the starter motor. Crank again. Again you want to see less then 0.2volts.

If you're getting more than 0.2 volts on either test, you need to find the loss. That will fix the problem...

Chris........

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

I'll try that. I have it all apart right now (I wanted to get the starter tested). I'm just going to replace it while it's apart... (I'm not finding myself with a lot of time to work on it, so my time seems to be more valuable than the cost of the part)

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

Bubba - I'm just going to replace the negative cable.. and I'll do what you said with the attaching of it. That was my problem with the auto parts store.. they weren't able to test it with a load.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

Has your starter even been wet? If so it is probably bad.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

It hasn't gotten wet before.. I'm just putting in a new starter, new battery, and new battery cables. I hate just throwing parts at it... but, the cables are old, the batteries are 3 years old, and I don't mind putting in a new starter while I have it apart (well, exhaust manifold removed, can't get to the starter without taking it off)

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Starting issues - what else could it be?

It's fixed. I put on a new starter and new wires (used the same battery) and the engine turned fast. I put the old wires back on and it still turned fast.. so, I'm guessing that it was the starter.. Now, that being said, I cleaned all of the connections when installing the new starter, so it could've been that too.. either way...All is good. Thank you for your help everyone.