On Jun 24, 6:21*pm, fzbuilder wrote:
On Jun 22, 11:10*am, "Calif Bill" wrote:

"fzbuilder" wrote in message

....

Hey all, I have a issue with my starter cranking the engine so slow
that it will not start, then drains the battery. This happens with any
battery I put in it. I even had a Snap-on starter boost charger on it
and still not enough cranking. I ended up wiring 2 batteries in seires
for 24volts and it would crank fast (but still not start), then kill
the batteries after a few times. I am wondering if I have a dead short
somewhere and if anyone has any ideas before I start replacing stuff.
I just replaced the coil and after doing some tests per the Penta Book
and now I have spark, but I am worried to put the 24volts back on and
damage anything. I orginaly put the 24volts on from some advise and
now I hear that can mess up your system. Help Please!!

Ok...here is the latest. I took the starter off and took it to the
auto store. They tested it 3 times in a computerized machine and it
tested fine (passed) on all levels. Went *home and put the starter
back on then double checked all the electrical and conections. Tried
to start it, but same thing. Pulled all the plugs and wammmm...spins
like crazy. My next step is to pull the valve covers and make sure all
valves are moving. Any thoughts?

Double checked connections? Or disconnected and cleaned them? Visual
inspection will not reveal a bad connection. You must either
disassemble and clean it with a wire brush or put a volt meter across
it and measure the voltage drop when the starter is engaged. Taking
it apart and cleaning it is easier. Trust me, on a 1987 boat you have
wiring corrosion. It may or may not be your problem but you do have
it.

How long has it been since the boat ran normally? What exactly have
you done to it since it ran normally? Any of that done before it
became hard to start?

Also the water question is valid. Did any water come out of the plug
holes? Any of the plugs look like they may have been wet with water?
Unsure? Put the plugs back in, leave the wires off, crank it. If the
wires are off then it should crank normally. Timing issues will not
affect it with the wires off. If it still does not crank normally
then you still have starter issues.