Help with starter issues
 

:confused::confused::confused:Hey guys. Hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday on the water. We did here in New York. Just started having a small issue while we were out today. When I turned the engine over, the starter worked fine but there was that high grind sound at the end after the engine kicked like it would sound if you turned the key over while the engine was on.:eek: I'm wondering if the solenoid is bad or the starter is on its way out,

Any ideas???
Thanks!:confused:

It sounds like the starter wasn't disengaging properly but i'll leave this one for the more 'mechanic-oriented' among us. ;)

You got it. Your starter was not releasing correctly - "sticking". Hard to say if it is the solenoid, starter, or even your ignition switch.

You should be able to "short" your solenoid and listen if it moves smoothly and there are no delays in the application/release of the starter. Also check your ignition switch terminals for corrosion/smooth operation. All else fails, remove/inspect the starter assembly.

Thanks for he tips. I didn't have my meter yesterday but I'm going to check all connections for any drops. I've never tested a solenoid before so any suggestions on the "short" process would be greatly appreciated.

Frank

By "shorting" the solenoid, I basically mean bypassing the igition switch and triggering the starter sans your ignition switch. Check your wiring diagram, or simply look at the solenoid and figure out which is the trigger wire (normally a 12v wire), make a test harness with appropriate fuses and a nice push-to-on switch etc and start your engine listening for the griding noise (note, key will have to be in "run" position for the engine to actually fire).

Got it. Thanks for your help. I'll most likely tackle this Thursday.

Frank

Crap!
 

Well no issues with the starter or the solenoid. Although I wishe there were. I actually have the large carriage bolt holding the starter to the engine snapped up and in. I tried to back it out but with no luck. I'm pretty sure that I purchased the boat this way because there was no snapped bolt in the bilge. It looks like I'll have to get the engine pulled for better access unless anyone has any better ideas. I rigged the starter so that it does not move with just the one bolt but as many of you out there I want it the way it is supposed to be. I'll just wait until I pull the boat for the season in Mid-October.

How much access do you have to the bolt? Did just the head snap off? Did you try a good penetrating solution (PB Blaster etc.)? If there is enough of the shank left, you should be able to get it out with PB Blaster, vice grips and a lot of swearing. If there is none of the shank left, try PB Blaster, drilling it out/easy-outs and a lot more swearing.

The bolt has been snapped off for a while because it hasn't happened since I have had the bolt. The boat had a bumpy workout on Labor day so the one remaining bolt began to loosen, causing the bendix to be slightly off and whine as if the solenoid was faulty.

The access is limited. I used my 90 degree chuck attachment, easy-outs, and a mirror to see up-side down. The swearing was the best part of the experience. I'm going to try another type of easy out before I give up as well.

Did ya learn any new swear words that you would like to share with us?? :D

Ones that we can use when it's our turn to get down & dirty?