Can't start the boat

[awthacker]

Thanks guys. Here's the update:

The starter had a little corrosion on the terminals. I cleaned them up and re-tightened but noticed some stripping on the positive post (this post is actually on the solenoid beneath the starter motor). While everything seems nice and tight, the nut can still continue turning but doens't get any tighter. So I have a suspicion this has something to do with it.

After this process the starter still won't turn, but did seem to try a little harder than it was before. So I put the charger back on it and will try again tomorrow morning. If it's still not a go, I think I'll pull the starter.

Lee, before pulling the starter, are you saying that I could just run two wires directly from a battery to the starter and expect it to turn. I tried this with just touching the bare wire ends to the posts, but got no results. It could've been because I wasn't making a good enough connection, or my spare battery could've been weaker than I thought, or the wire I was using could've been too small (but it didn't get hot, so I don't think that was the issue even though it was much smaller than the wiring on the boat).

[awthacker]

BTW, I do have the Perko selector switch that came up in another thread. I guess I need to pull this too and make sure everything is tight. Do any of the symptoms point to the switch as part of the problem? (The smoke only showed up on the battery, not at the switch).

[smokeonthewater]

so I guess you aren't going to test like I said? You have one or more of 3 problems... high resistance somewhere, a bad starter and or a bad battery. you can guess or you can diagnose.

[reelapeelin]

Does the motor turn?...it's not locked up is it?...disconnect the battery and turn the flywheel to see if it'll turn...other than that, I'd bet on CB's diagnosis...

[leeprice72]

Disconnect battery,starter wires and fule supply. Get a hot battery and jumper cables. Ground the negative cable on block. Touch positive cable to positive starter lug (just for a second). If it spins real hard and fast its probably ok. If it is dragging and slow its time for a rebuild or replacement of starter (if your sure battery is good). If it jumps up and is not spinning flywheel, you have other issues.

[leeprice72]

autozone or any of those stores can check that starter for free. Napa can even get you a new one.

[awthacker]

Bad news guys. The battery is good and the starter is good. I do believe the solenoid is bad and should be replaced, but the bigger problem is that the flywheel is seized up. So much so that I can't bang it free with a hammer and screwdriver. One plug has significant corrosion on it... the other five look good. So I guess the next step is to open it up and see how bad it is. Kinda bummed - I'm no mechanic and have never opened up an engine, but I'd rather learn something than overpay to have someone else do it. After all, it is the perfect time of year for this.