Replace the starter

S

sal

Member
Joined
May 15, 2004
RO Number
13641
Messages
15
I have a 4.3l mercruiser engine.The last time the engine ran was last October when it was winterized. Today I tried to start it and all I got was the clicking of the solenoid. I tapped the starter with a hammer and eventually got the motor running. Its running fine and so is the starter. Fires right up at the turn of the key. I don't know why the starter got hungup, but I suppose the lack of use for an entire year has something to do with it. The boat is trailered and used in saltwater. Can I trust the starter or replace it? It's not a Mercruiser starter and 4 years old. Haven't had any issues with the starter aside from today. Thanks.
 
If it sat for a year it may be ok since it tapin got got it working. I d keep it but if it happens again replace
 
Next time jump the solenoid to see if it was the solenoid.
 
I jumped the solenoid but that didn't work. The battery was fully charged but I put a battery charger set to "start engine" mode to give the system an extra boost. That didn't work either. When I started tapping with the hammer, the starter came to life and the engine turned and started up. I let the motor run at idle for a good 30 minutes to get everything loosened up. At that point, I could shut the motor and restart it without any issues. I plan to start it from cold later this afternoon to see if it is still "happy". While I lost my season this year due to having to replace the aluminum tank and being too busy, thats all fixed, so I want to address any remaining issues before I winterize. Im hoping to make up this years loss next year.
 
Started it today and the starter hesitated a bit but after turning the ignition key to the crank position 4 or 5 times, the starter got the motor turning and it fired up and ran nice. It's definitely better than it was yesterday considering I didn't need to tap the starter with a hammer to get it going. If the starter was a bit easier to get to, I'd just change it and be done. However, it's a bit of a B<t?h to get to, so I was hoping the starter cooperates. More likely than not, I'll be changing the starter early next the spring so it doesn't become an issue later on.
 
It might be worthwhile to have the battery load tested if it is accessible? I am not thinking the charger cables can push out cranking current.
 
Yes, I had the battery load tested and it's ok, 624cca if I remember. Tested it after charging it for 24 hours. Being that you mention it, I'm definitely replacing both batteries in the spring. One is shot and even though the 2nd tested ok, its from 2016 so it served its purpose. I dont want to buy new batteries now.
 
There is no point in replacing anything before storage. Especially the batteries.
 
Spray a little lubricant on the starter - I use Corrosion X or LPS 2/3. This has worked well for me over the years on my outboards.
 
Yes. I installed a new starter and all is good now.
 
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