Do I need a new starter???

[reeljob]

Cant get the boat to turn over, just replaced the ignition switch, no luck, pulled the solenoid and napa said it was bad I replaced that, and still nothing. The starter looks harder to get at so I am hesitant to pull it. Its a 3 liter mercruiser I/o What else could it be ????? If anybody has any ideas please let me know.

Thanks, Jeff

[RODACTION]

Is the battery in good condition ? If you don't have enough amps she won't turn the engine over. Are the battery connections good and clean and tight ? at the engine and battery ? You might try tapping on the starter with a small hammer if the above is all good, it may bring the starter to life, but if it does start working.....replace it, its bad.

[98ramtough]

Not sure if its any help, but I had a similar problem and it was a fuse. Mine was an outboard though.

[Tacklebuster]

Starters are one thing to always have a spare on board if you have an inboard. I went through one a year on my old boat. Take it off and go down to Napa, they can test it for you to see if it's bad. Alot of the times it gets a bit rusty on the inside making it take twice the amount of juice just to get it to move.

I would make sure your ignition switch is working first though. Chances are if your solenoid was bad, your starter is to.

[AlseaAssassin]

Had a similar problem with an old Ford pick-up. I could not figure out what was wrong and eventually an old wrench told me to try to crank it over for a minute or so with no results then feel the positive cable from the battery to the starter. It was very warm indicating a short and I replaced it, problem solved. Give it a try, maybe just as easy as replacing the cable.

[reeljob]

Hey Thanks everybody for the insight and advice, I really appreciate it. I have checked the switch, battery, changed the switch and solenoid, and still when I turn the key nothing, I mean nothing happens, total silence. So I am thinking it must be a wire somewhere. I am off to tear the side of the boat apart to find it. Wish me luck. DID you see the shad counts at The Dalles!!!!!