Another day another issue

Jeskor13

Jeskor13

Member
Jul 13, 2023
31
Boat Info
Sea Ray 320 Sundancer 2003
Engines
350 Mercruiser Mag MPI
Our 2003 320DA: the starboard engine would
Not start up right away. It would
Crank but didn’t start until we utilized the emergency start (two times this wasn’t required and it started up without the emergency switch)
The belt makes a high pitch noise when the Engine starts after not using for a Few days. There’s a Rough idle and we have to Move throttles to warm up or stalls out.
All batteries have been changed.
Any suggestions? Thanks very much!
 
Change the belt, and start with a good old fashion tune up ,don't forget the fuel filters.
 
scoflaw said:
Change the belt, and start with a good old fashion tune up ,don't forget the fuel filters.
Click to expand...
Fuel filters are new. Forgive my ignorance but what is included in a tune up? And is the belt replacing a DIY for a novice?
 
Plugs, cap, rotor, plug wires and the belt is easy to replace. Save some money and buy the parts from auto supply, Napa etc.
 
For a newbie DIY, I would recomend you go with OEM original parts where possible. It will cost a little more, but save the aggravation of the wrong parts.
 
Definitely check belt tension. Could be slipping. Check all pulleys when belt is off. Make sur everything moves freely
 
Definitely check belt tension. Could be slipping. Check all pulleys when belt is off. Make sur everything moves freely
 
If the emergency start makes it start it sounds to me like the batteries are either bad on that side or there is a power draw that depletes them when you are not using it. Do you leave the charger/converter turned on when you are at the dock and connected to shore power?
 
How old are the batteries, 90% of boat electrical issues start with bad batteries. They may show having volts, but once under load they can't handle it. If they are 3 yrs old, replace. otherwise at least get them load tested. Weak battery may not give enough power to ignition, therefore your other issue. Of coursed check all belts and tension.
 
Creekwood said:
If the emergency start makes it start it sounds to me like the batteries are either bad on that side or there is a power draw that depletes them when you are not using it. Do you leave the charger/converter turned on when you are at the dock and connected to shore power?
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. Yes, the charger/converter is on while connected to shore power.
 
bahamabreisus said:
How old are the batteries, 90% of boat electrical issues start with bad batteries. They may show having volts, but once under load they can't handle it. If they are 3 yrs old, replace. otherwise at least get them load tested. Weak battery may not give enough power to ignition, therefore your other issue. Of coursed check all belts and tension.
Click to expand...
Batteries are 3 weeks old
 
So it spins over fine but doesn't light? If that's the case check for voltage drop at the 50 amp breaker then check neg. side drop at the ground lug behind engine.
 
I think my last post somehow disappeared. We changed the belt, fired up the engine, no sound. A second starting of the engine a few hours later and the sound was worse than before!
 
Jeskor13 said:
I think my last post somehow disappeared. We changed the belt, fired up the engine, no sound. A second starting of the engine a few hours later and the sound was worse than before!
Click to expand...
Do you have any water leaking onto the belt??
 
Something is tight or a pulley is not spinning properly. Belt too tight. It's slipping
 
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