Volvo Penta 4.3GL 1999 ? Difficulty starting after hydrolock repair

[birdpiper]

My starter/electrical issue turned out to be hydrolock according to the mechanic. He replaced both manifolds and sea-tested. I have it back at my dock and it has had a few ?difficult? times starting. Sometimes it will turn over easily, other times it seems like the starter is having a hard time turning the flywheel, but will eventually start.
Could anything be causing this extra tension on the flywheel? The starter is brand new and each time I replaced the starter (3 times now) the flywheel teeth looked to be in good shape.
Is there anything that can be done? Replace the plugs? Change the engine oil?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Pull the spark plugs, 'n check for water,....

It sounds like it's still hydro-lockin',....

 

[Senior B]

Need to verify that the hydrolock which is water in the cyl is in fact fixed. Let the boat sit a few days and then remove all the spark plugs before you attempt to start it. Check for water when you remove the plugs and then crank the motor with no plugs to see if any water sprays out. This part will require a helper. If no water sprays out, double check all connections to the starter and the battery and the ground connection on the block to ensure you're getting full cranking amps. Difficult starting can also bean issue of vapor lock which is fuel and timing related. Does the problem happen more when the motor is warm?

 

[alldodge]

Agree w/Bondo, check for water now. If water sits it will rust up the rings.

If no water is found remove and clean the battery cables, and do both ends. This can not be emphasized enough, a small film of oxidation can cause a great reduction in power going to the starter

 

[dennis461]

you may have bent a piston con rod which will bind up causing excessive wear and tear on starter and cylinder wall.

 

[birdpiper]

This past weekend I removed the spark plugs and cycled with just the starter. It turned freely and there was no sign of water. Seemed like a good time to replace the spark plugs, so I put a new set of plugs in.

It is starting better with the new plugs. It still has a little trouble starting, but gets going after a second or so. I stopped and started it several times, seems to do a little better when the engine is warm.

I think it is good for now, but will continue to monitor. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[alldodge]

Good to hear hope it stays that way, and thinks for following up with your status