Out there...4.3 marine starter ?

**rschap1** · 05-12-2011, 02:09 AM

Pretty far removed from LS power, but...I been getting some terrific help here so I will keep asking!

I got a deck boat with a 4.3 Volvo Penta motor.
When I first started it this year the starter stayed hung up and engaged.
Before I could get it shut off, the starter's drive motor pretty much melted.
Even when turning the key off, motor kept running.
I had to choke the carb by hand to finally get it to quit.

It is a REAL PAIN to get at this thing, so I did everything and checked everything hoping not to pull it, but once off it was obviously wrecked.

Got a new one last night, installed it, and seems to be doing the same.
I am wondering if the new starter needs to be shimmed, or does it sound like another issue.
Maybe an electrical problem up stream?
I am inclined to think it is an alignment and needs shims, but after 2 doing this same thing I am wondering.
Starter came with 2 different sets of bolts, a shim, and also a 3/16" thick foam gasket that fits the nose of the starter.
"Instruction" sheet included said some models need different bolts and the gasket.
Doesn't look like these are needed in my application, but I am really wondering why these are there...
I have the starter off now and am going to try and ground it with 1/2 a set of jumpers and run the ignition to see if when unbolted it does what it should.
Appreciate any help or ideas.

THANKS as always here ! ! !

**REVNORR82** · 05-12-2011, 02:29 AM

More than likely its a electrical problem the shims are more less if its grinding check the ignition switch water is bad even in boats

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**rschap1** · 05-12-2011, 06:45 AM

Both doing the same thing were leading me that direction too...THANKS

**rschap1** · 05-13-2011, 02:08 AM

Well..
Put a test light at the switch terminal of the solenoid, and at the back of the starter last night AND...

could not get anything to F' up like it did before.
Had the starter off with one lead of a jumper cable set connected to the neg. termnal of one of my batteries, and the other to starter housing for ground. Cycled it dozens of times like this, all good. Started to wonder if the alignment may have been off, or if the shim was in deed needed. Ran the test light trials again and everything acted like it was supposed to. Remounted the starter and started and then shut down the engine at least a dozen times. All good. I did use a different set of bolts. I dd not see any difference between the old ones that I used initially (same length and I even calipered the diameters where they are knurled assuming this was to help alignment and all seemed VERY close). The pair I used were those intended to be used with the new starter from supplier. No idea if there was any connection between results and the bolts or not.
I pulled the ignition switch from dash panel to see what kind of configuration it was. I will be buying a new one and just do not trust the switch. Guessing the switch was the culprit now, but scared this will rear it's ugly head at a bad time when I can't get to the choke or battery switch QUICK enough to keep from melting another starter.
Appreciate the help and advice! ! !

**REVNORR82** · 05-13-2011, 02:56 AM

Good luck

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**rschap1** · 05-13-2011, 10:40 AM

THANKS!!
New switch coming and hoping that is the fix

**rschap1** · 05-17-2011, 09:42 AM

New switch in...
everything still fine.
Hoping that is it!!!!!

**bigrondownhiller** · 05-19-2011, 03:35 PM

On my mercruiser there was a second solenoid on the starter circuit. It stuck and did the same thing you describe. The solenoid was mounted on the front of the engine.

**rschap1** · 05-20-2011, 09:36 AM

I searched for another relay or solenoid and looked up schematics...
Did not see anything besides the switch lead running right to switched post on the starter mounted solenoid.
Fingers still crossed.
THANKS for the info!!!