Starter Anxiety 7.4 MPI

[Hampton]

Had a similar problem and found the fix at the beginning of the summer. The large ground wire post on the engine block was corroded enough to provide an inadequate ground.

If you're still having intermitent problems starting, just take all the grounds off, clean them and the post, coat with dielectric grease and re-install.

Mine was always like playing Russian Roulette with every start, but since this fix - not one problem!:thumbsup:

I cleaned a couple a few weeks ago. I'll try the rest. Thank you.

 

[Hampton]

UPDATE:

I crawled into the bilge last night and disconnected the engine grounds and major grounding terminals. I cleaned them, lubed them, and replaced them. Starter still intermittant. On the starters, there is an opaque plastic (off-white) unit which has a couple of wires running to it. The Starboard one looked like it had over-heated. I swapped them. The problem moved to the Port starter!!!!!!!!

In this link, it is labeled "#7 - Fuse Assy 90amp:" http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...br=11507&bnbr=20&bdesc=Starter+and+Alternator

New Problem: When putting the wires back on, while tightening the hot wire, I broke the housing to the unit attached to the side of the starter (solenoid) where the Nut #5 is depicted. How is it that I can break a starter housing by tightening the hot lead?

I think it's the "Cover, Solenoid Switch" which is broken (#51) - http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...TARTER+MOTOR+ASSEMBLY,+COMPLETE+(B-50-76965A1)

So, any ideas as to how to get this thing back on the water in 2 days? Just go buy a starter? Do you think a local gen shop will have these parts? How about a local marine supply store?
I think I'll just epoxy that thing back on until I can get a new part.