starting

[dalew555]

used my boat with a 88 spl johnson and would not start on last day. Starter engages but will not turn. Also, new battery was drained over 4 days of fishing. Charged battery and starter still would not turn after engaging Is it the starter or is something else drawing down the battery?

 

[F_R]

Re: starting

Could be the battery itself. Like possibly a dead cell. Check the cranking voltage. Or try a known good battery. And of course it could be the starter, but begin with the battery. It is the "heart" of the system.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: starting

Have you checked the battery connections? If they are held by wing nuts, replace with brass, or stainless steel nuts, and lock washers.

 

[Bobby Autry]

Re: starting


Hello,

Is your engine seized up? Try turning your flywheel clockwise as looking at the top of your motor and make sure it isn't seized up on you. If so, it could be your power head or your lower leg unit. Hopefully not though, hopefully it is in your starter, alot cheaper than a rebuild on the motor or lower leg unit.

 

[dalew555]

Re: starting

The fly wheel does turn but not easlily. We tried to pull start but could not get the fly wheel to turn a complete revolution. There were no symptoms. Motor ran perfect all weekend. Of course, we were out in the middle of the lake in 25 mph wind at night when it would not start. Brand new battery. Starter was rebuilt right before I bought the boat (so I was told).

 

[F_R]

Re: starting

Whoa there, it sounds like Bobby hit on something. Take the spark plugs out and see if the flywheel will turn reasonably easy. Of course there will be some drag from friction, but look for binding or won't turn all the way around? This is getting into serious stuff now.

 

[dalew555]

Re: starting

fly wheel turns pretty easily when I took the plugs out. Did notice one of the spark plugs was loose. Tightened and switched batteries to an old one with no luck. Starter humms and turns fly wheel a little then stops.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: starting

Sounds like a bad starter.BUT try starting it for about 30 - 40 seconds,just hold the key on.Now feel the battery terminals,as well as the wires to the motor,and the starter.If you feel a hot spot,that's a connection that needs cleaning.

This week I had a bad battery cable.The insulation was actually ripped,and about 8 inches of GREEN CORRODED wire was visible inside the insulation.Did not even get warm,couldn't carry enough amps.Unusual,but it happens.
DHP

 

[dalew555]

Re: starting

Is it better to purchase a new starter or having existing one rebuilt? It was rebuilt at least once that I have been told.