theprolineguy.com

C - Lark wrote:OK, status report: Back to the boat yesterday, with two friends. Worked on boat all day. Pulled the "suspect" starter, and prepared to install the freshly rebuilt unit that came with the boat. One friend says "Hey, the way things have been going, maybe you should have that rebuilt starter tested before putting it in the starboard engine". My reaction: "I can't believe that would be necessary, but "why not"? So, off to the battery shop with two starters and all 3 batteries (Remember, I had those checked a month ago, and all were good). Result: The rebuilt starter was bad, the one I just removed from the engine was good, and two batteries had dead cells, and the third one was marginal. So, why would the marginal battery start the port engine, but not the starboard engine? Battery shop owner suggested adding another ground wire from the starter negative lug to one of the starter mounting bolts. He made one up. I also had him make up a new heavier negative battery cable, using #2 welding cable. Back to the boat with three new batteries, new negative cables and the old starter (left the rebuilt one @ battery shop for another rebuild). Installed all --- Both engines start great !!! I strongly suspect that the ground lug on the starter wasn't making good contact with the negative cable. Maybe there is some hope after all.... Went for a 3 hour fishing trip on the Columbia. One fish -- a 30 pound plus Chinook salmon. The boat has been "baptized" ! Going fishing again Saturday. Oh, did I mention that the bilge pump quit? It has juice, and tries to run, but bearing is bad. Will install a new one Saturday... The livewell and baitwell pumps ?? Those will have to wait...