Main engine won't turn over

[mcmichael]

Hi
I'm trying to start my starboard main which has sat dormant for nearly a year. I have gone through everything, cleaned all the connections, new batteries and put a new starter on. When I attempt to turn it over it turns, in the correct direction, about 4 inches and then stops. I tried it twice and then decided I should stop before doing any damage. Does anyone have suggestions as to what the possible problems could be and what I might be able to do to confirm the problem?

Thanks very much
Michael

 

[midway]

Pull the spark plugs, check for water on piston.

Just spotted your other post where you say the main breaker on the engine is tripping, if you have a short it is after that breaker, you need to trace the wires/cables going from the load side of the breaker, look close at places where they go around a bracket, engine, look for burned spot, I would not push the start button anymore until you find the short, if it is spitting fire you do not want that in the er where gas fumes may be.

 

[tobnpr]

If you're getting a nice solid "clunk" from the starter engaging the flywheel...I suspect the post above is may be correct.

If you had a riser fail and have had water sitting in the cylinders for who knows how long, you're up a creek...

Maybe you're lucky and it's just lightly seized. If you pull the plugs (both banks) and there's no sign of water, I'd pour some Mystery Oil into all the cylinders and allow it to soak, then try to turn the engine over by hand (if you can get to it).

 

[blueeyeboatr]

I have seen it many times when someone spends hours trying to trouble shoot a stuck or frozen motor, when all the time it was the drive(s).

If you have a outdrive, "Remove It" to narrow down the problem.

If still stuck, remove the plugs an apply some, NOT ALOT of pressure with a breaker bar on the end of the crank to see if you can turn it.

 

[mcmichael]

Hi
Thanks for all of your replies. I just pulled the plugs and had water in one of the cylinders. I'm going to try and turn it over by hand to expel the water. What would be the best course of action after that.

Thanks
Michael

 

[midway]

I would then use Marvel Mystery Oil and let it soak awhile, then check the exhaust manifolds and risers for leaks.

 

[mcmichael]

Thanks again for all the input. I am soaking the cylinder with Mystery Marvel Oil. Should I try and turn over the engine after a few days? Should I leave the plug out when I turn it over?
Thanks very much
Michael

 

[midway]

I would definitely leave the plugs out until thru turning by hand, makes it much easier to turn the engine when you do not have to fight compression. I take it you were able to turn the engine by hand and expel the water, if so you did back it down to where it was so the MM oil it at the point of possible corrosion. If you were able to turn the engine I would turn by hand later today, move backwards and forwards to free up, you do not want to force anything to move. Did you find a manifold or riser leaking, or have not got that far yet. Good luck to you.

 

[tobnpr]

Given that the engine has sat for so long, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pour some MM into all the cylinders and give them a good soak.

Since the engine wasn't fogged before layup, you've got dry cylinder walls with surface rust no doubt. Light force to get things moving again as suggested above...

You definitely need to change the oil before trying to start it- have you pulled the dipstick to check it's condition? If your riser failed (and it sounds like it did) you could have water in your oil- which wouldn't have done any favors for your crank and bearings.

 

[sprink56]

Given that the engine has sat for so long, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pour some MM into all the cylinders and give them a good soak.

Since the engine wasn't fogged before layup, you've got dry cylinder walls with surface rust no doubt. Light force to get things moving again as suggested above...

You definitely need to change the oil before trying to start it- have you pulled the dipstick to check it's condition? If your riser failed (and it sounds like it did) you could have water in your oil- which wouldn't have done any favors for your crank and bearings.

+1:thumbsup:

I think it's time for new risers...:huh:

John F

 

[stuckinforward]

If i was a betting man, i would also say its time for some risers and manifolds, salt water is cruel,and snuck down your intake into whichever intake valve was open at the time. im not exposed much to salty's up here in Ohio, but one does stick out that a guy pulled up from Fla. it was a 2002 Monterey...with flush kits, and according to the owner he flushed religously. I ended up pulling the engine and re-sleeving 2 of the cylinders because of the corrosion on the cylinder walls, obviously i replaced the manifolds and risers because they were paper thin at the connection.. it was low hour. just my thought. I could see this guy went thru the same thing....new starter, new batteries, cables....if you do get her running i would strongly suggest a compression test on the engine, concentrating on the watered cylinders. at times because the rings will stick to the cylinder walls, they will crack when trying to unfreeze the engine