On Jun 19, 10:02*pm, fzbuilder wrote:
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!!

Not to be mean but it sounds like you are in over your head. I
suggest you find someone that can take a look at it. The problem
could be the starter but it could also be that the engine is hard to
turn over for some other reason. There is a trick to using 24v on a
starter but I'm guessing you just hooked 24v up to the positive and
negative lines and you may have toasted other stuff like your ignition
and gauges. You may just have cost yourself a whole lot of money.

The first thing to check on all boats is connection problems. Remove
and clean the big wire connections on both the positive side and the
negative side. Battery end and the ends bolted to the block and
starter.

If you are really more mechanically inclined than your post suggests,
pull the starter. Check it for play in the shaft side to side. See
if it spins freely when you apply 12v to it with a pair of jumper
cables. Someone has to hold it while you do this cause it will jump.
Put a 1/2" breaker bar and socket on the front of the engine. You
should be able to turn it over by hand. It will be hard but not
impossible. If it seems too hard try it with all the plugs removed,
it should be easier.

How long has it been since the boat last ran normally?