Dead starter?

[justason]

need help sleeping tonight.
Boat: 2009 212x with about 115 hours on it. Last use 2 weeks ago, moderate use. Last oil/plug change about 20+ hours. Battery fully charged and strong.

Just launched the boat and the starboard engine struggled to start, this is typical after she sits f0r >a week. Port engine is completely dead ! the ONLY sound I can get from her is a very very faint click from the Starter. Even that is not every turn of the key, maybe 1/4 of the time.

I was about to swap the starters between the engines but its looking like a real chore for access. Before I dive into that I don't recall hearing much in the forum of starters dying.?.?.?.? Am I chasing the wrong possibility?

My boat is plagued with a heavy soot situation. After the last use it was SUBSTANTIAL on the port engine exhaust....I checked the oil, it was low but there. The spark plugs look fine, dry, ....I cant imagine I have a dead engine but the thought crossed my mind.. I believe these boats have thermal sensors and alarms to prevent an overheat or seizure...right.....

The last use of the boat had a lot of starts/stops but ran like a top with no issues at all......when the issues arise while sitting in the garage it throws me for a real loop...

Thanks in advance

 

[Ronnie]

Sounds like a dead or dying battery too me. Are you sure your's is charged? Drop another one in if you don't have time to recharge the one you have.
Walmart should do you right for under $100.

 

[Andy S]

I am with @Ronnie it sounds like a battery issue, either the battery is weak or a loose/corroded cable. Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage, it should be above 12vdc.

If you don't solve this issue before bed time I suggest you drink heavily, it might not solve the problem but you won't care for awhile and will probably sleep/pass out.

Good Luck solving this problem.

 

[justason]

battery is 2 months new (bought for bimini), always on the charger. The volt meter holds steady at 12.7 volts on the draw ..and it starts the starboard engine without effort.....

I can barely contort my body to get to the starter....need youth.

 

[Scottintexas]

we very rarely hear about a starter going bad, I would check your voltage with a meter and go from there,

 

[Bruce]

@Marvin willis, had a starter issue recently https://jetboaters.net/threads/help-me-please.2651/

 

[Bruce]

I took some pictures with my phone under the engine when Marvin was having problems. I believe you can remove the starter without pulling the engine. Something like two or three really hard to access bolts. Seems like a good father son bonding experience. But I think I would order a new starter rather than trying to swap between the engines. It will not be that easy.

If you replace the starter please let the rest of us know how to do it!

 

[Marvin willis]

It didn't take me 5 mins to pull the starter. Pull out the 2 bolt and then you stick I screw drive in the hole at the front of the motor and it will pop out.

 

[96Pirate]

@justason Any news? I hope it is nothing big!

 

[cwoav8r]

I'm sure you have... but double check all the electrical connections... make sure all are tight, no corrosion.

 

[buckbuck]

Looks like a big job to me.

 

[justason]

@justason Any news? I hope it is nothing big!

I passed up the job yesterday when company arrived, heading into it now. hammer, extra hands ..
@Marvin willis what's your 5 minuite secret?. Mine appears to be as @buckbuck shows

 

[Lspeedss]

Check all your connections Eric...take them lose, clean and put back together. Especially at your battery switch...it does not take much corrosion to cause issues. Check voltage at the starter motor as well. Exhaust those areas prior to pulling your starter motor...good luck

 

[justason]

Check all your connections Eric...take them lose, clean and put back together. Especially at your battery switch...it does not take much corrosion to cause issues. Check voltage at the starter motor as well. Exhaust those areas prior to pulling your starter motor...good luck

Thanks. I just tried to start it. Yesterday I barely got a click out of what I thought was the starter. Today I get a gawd awful buzzing from the computer unit. I'm thinking the click of yesterday was a relay now.

 

[Lspeedss]

@justason just a thought.. Check your impeller for an obstruction or fishing line.. Maybe something is bound upbin there.

 

[tim h]

Good luck Eric I hope it's not serious .

 

[Andy S]

Thanks. I just tried to start it. Yesterday I barely got a click out of what I thought was the starter. Today I get a gawd awful buzzing from the computer unit. I'm thinking the click of yesterday was a relay now.

Wonder if you starter relay is going bad. The relay is located in the ECM box on the aft engine bulkhead.

 

[justason]

Wonder if you starter relay is going bad. The relay is located in the ECM box on the aft engine bulkhead.

Hi Andy. I have the same thought at this point, going to open up the service manual and see what I'm getting into before opening that panel up. Ever been in one of those things?

 

[Bruce]

Yes, the solenoid (relay) is part of the ECM assembly. If it is buzzing replacing it may be an easy fix. You can swap it from the other side or jump around it to test.

 

[jdonalds]

Is it easy to swap the ECM from one engine to another? If so that may be easier than pulling the starter and may be a great troubleshooting step.

Oh I see Bruce made that suggestion first.