Problem Starting. 2005 Sanger V-210
 

The first year I had the boat I had zero problems out of it but from the second year on the boat would sometimes have trouble starting on the first try. I would turn the key and the engine would click one time and then nothing. Thinking it was the neutral safety switch, I would mess with the throttle lever and eventually it would crank. The boat has been doing this for the past 4 years but would always eventually start. Well today I pulled the boat out from the garage to "Summerize" it in hopes of being able to use it this weekend. Well when I went to crank it, it did the same thing except now I can not get it to start at all. I messed with the throttle and still nothing. I tried adjusting the throttle linkage on the transmission and still nothing. One thing I did notice was that the starter became very warm. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated, would really love to get on to the water this weekend. Oh, the engine is a Mercruiser 350 Mag.

I sure sparky will chime in but if the starter is getting warm the first place I would look is the starting Solenoid

It is your starter. In my old supra I would 1-2 starters a year in it. Moisture in your engine compartment is hell on them.

If the starter became hot it is getting power through the windings. That would normally mean you need a rebuild or replacement if it's not turning over. For the starter to get warm the solenoid has to be engaging to connect the circuit. It could be that you don't have the battery cranking amps to turn it. Basically the battery can just get old and not as capable.

If you're getting a click then power is making it all the way to the starter so that eliminates any neutral safety or throttle switch. You've either got a bad connection/cable, not enough battery power or a bad starter/solenoid.

I just replaced the battery last year with an Optima blue top,so I didn't think this was the problem. I did try using jumper cables just to make sure but it still wouldn't crank. The radio and all the gauges work once I turn the key to crank but I have noticed the Volt gauge does not move off of 8 Volts. If it is the starter, would I be able to purchase a new one at a local auto parts store or does it have to be marine specific? Thanks again for the help.

Tried to start the boat again this morning but still nothing but I did notice that the Volt gauge is reading higher. I also noticed a pretty good amount of corrosion were the ground from the battery attaches to the block. Could this be the problem? If it is the starter, does anyone know how to remove the starter from this engine? I could just carry it to the shop but that would mean I would miss taking the boat out this weekend and more money spent.

You're not getting enough juice to the starter. With your key at "ON" you should see at least 12 volts at the dash. 13 is a fully charged battery. Sounds like a combination of corrosion and a weak battery. Have you put a charger on the blue top? Check ground connections too while you're in there..

Clean up any connections that dont look right and check the voltage at the starter to see if you have 12 to 12 1/2 volts or so at the starter. It needs to be a marine starter for safety reasons. Its only a few bolts that hold it on. Google is your friend but you just disconnect the batteries and unbolt it. Pretty straight forward. Once out, you can have it bench tested to confirm if its bad. It may just need a solenoid which would be less $$ than a whole starter.

Got the starter out with no problem will bench test as well as clean up all connections. Hopefully I can get the boat running before tomorrow. Thanks all for your help.

Most auto parts stores carry marine starters. Go pick one up for the weekend and see about getting your rewound... I'd pry return the starter on Monday, but thats just me.

If you need a starter here are some numbers you can give the auto parts store to come across a unit.

Delco 9000884
Wilson Auto Electric 91-01-4388, 91-01-4388N(Napa carries their own boxed version of Wilson)
The Lester number is 6562 and a lot of parts stores and rebuilders use Lester numbers.

https://ws1.wilsonautoelectric.com/e...art=91-01-4388

Notice the "mudder housing" and if you look at the notes it is UL coast guard approved.

Replaced the starter and the boat cranked without any problems. Was able to take it out yesterday and had a good time. Thanks to everyone for the help.