First time In Water After Winter
 

Just put my SC21 in the water and unable to get the engine to go. Although it is trying to start, it will not turnover. I had the battery stored and fully charged over the winter, but is there anything else that I am missing that needs to be done. Each battery terminal had three cables to attach - I assume all three need to be attached. Any help would be appreciated because I am missing out on a beautiful weekend. The boat has a 4.3 Mercruiser.

Re: First time In Water After Winter
 

The engine is turning over but not starting?

Is the switch on throttle and shift control set to "RUN"?

I assume the clip on the lanyard is holding the kill switch in the out position.

Re: First time In Water After Winter
 

You're going to have to be more explicit in what you mean by "will not turn over." (A "turnover" is a pastry, btw ;))

Does nothing happen when you turn the switch? No *click*. Nothing? Do you hear a *click* but the starter doesn't crank the engine? Engine cranks but will not start? Tries to start, but never quite gets there?

Jim

Re: First time In Water After Winter
 

Take it outa gear. ;)

Re: First time In Water After Winter
 

You may also have a stuck Bendix on your starter. The Bendix is the "gear shaft" the starter fires into the fly wheel gear to spin the engine. It is a common occurrence to get a Bendix that hangs after the winter with a bit of corrosion on it. On a Merc the starter is the Black cylinder about the side of a small thermos on the aft left (looking towards the aft of the boat). You will need to get a hammer and stick your head down along the side. Look for the cylinder that has a red battery cable hooked to it. Give the casing a couple of good raps (it's tough) and try the key again. If the engine won't spin the Bendix and starter may be locked up and need to be replaced. Troubleshoot it by making sure you are clear of all the belts and pulley and have a friend turn the key and listen for the Bendix to click and see if it engages the flywheel. If you here a whizzing sound it is spinning but not engaging the fly wheel. If it just clicks it is stuck in the retracted position. Rap it a couple more times and if it won't come lose its time for a new starter (almost all the Bendix's are integral these days).

Good luck and I hope it's cheap to fix!!

PJJ