Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Starting problem. Something just spinning

C

cnewton700

Member
84 Mercruiser 5.7L, 260 sterndrive, alpha one gen one. Last time out was beginning of March with no issues, ran fine. Expecting the grandkids in a few weeks so I filled up a large tote with water today, lowered the out-drive and went to start it to be sure it was still running fine. The starter sounded like it was engaging as normal for a second then it sounded like it was just spinning. I could only see the front of the engine (alternator, water pump...) so I turned around and tried a second time to start it. Nothing on the front pulleys even budged but it started something in the back of the engine spinning. It continued spinning until I turned the batteries off. Anyone know what might have happened?
 
Ayuh,.... Sounds like a starter, or flywheel, or flywheel studs, or crankshaft problem,.......

Pull the starter to check what's loose or broken,.....
 
Many folks are suggesting that you look at the starter.----So remove the starter and inspect it.----Need to get the tool box out or hurry to your local friendly shop.----New starter + labor might run $500 or so.
 
I thank you all. A quick visual of the starter area and all the rust and gunk that had accumulated reminded me of something I probably should have mentioned. My cover ripped during the last heavy rains while I was out of town. The starter was underwater for a few days.
 
Back
Top