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"97 speedster starters make buzzing sound, but motors do not turn over at all

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Nathan Mayo

Nathan Mayo

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All was well the last time I ran it 2 months ago. I had just gotten it back after the MPEM was replaced and carbs reworked ....now this after a 2 month rest under cover in my parking lot. Battery charger shows a happy green light, so I assume I've got a full charge. Battery is only 2 months old. It is NOT a clicking sound, but a distinct BUZZ. Am considering jump starting with blasting caps and C4, but I would rather keep the boat......I think. Ideas would be appreciated. Have thought about applying some blunt force trauma to sides of starters and engines with a hammer and a 2X2 to see if something would break loose, but I am reluctant to resort to violence unless Carl, Snipe, or Dr tell that is acceptable.

What thinkest thou?
 
I would try to locate the buzzing sound. Where is it coming from?

LIGHTLY tap on the side of the starter with a wrench or small hammer while holding down the starer button.
Do not hit the engine case. It would not help, and might crack the casing.
Try connecting jumper cables from the boat to a non-running car or truck and try to crank the boat again.
If all else fails, strip the insulation back on the starter wire and supply direct 12V from jumper cables.
 
"97 speedster starters make buzzing sound, but motors do not turn over at all

Traditionally, buzzing is almost always a low voltage issue. Could be the battery, cables or a connection issue. Jump the solenoid. If it cranks, the items I mentioned are good. If not, one of them is bad.
 
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Are you sure the engines are not full of oil?

I would remove the spark plugs and try again, if still the same try turning engines by hand if all is well check battery voltage and earth / connections.
 
Andy4k6 said:
Are you sure the engines are not full of oil?

I would remove the spark plugs and try again, if still the same try turning engines by hand if all is well check battery voltage and earth / connections.
Click to expand...

I agree. Pull the plugs, and crank her over. If it wont turn even by hand, you might have a jammed impeller. So far, the problem sounds like it could be a very simple easy fix.
 
If I am reading this correctly, the starter never engaged. He is not getting any clicking noise,,,

Until he jumps the solenoid and or gets a battery laid test, he is chasing ghosts. Known good and or known bad,,, either of those is helpful...
 
Coastie, I agree. He might just have a loose battery connection or low battery. Of all the info listed above, he will have to pick and choose what to do in what order.
 
The hammer solved it !

Nathan Mayo said:
All was well the last time I ran it 2 months ago. I had just gotten it back after the MPEM was replaced and carbs reworked ....now this after a 2 month rest under cover in my parking lot. Battery charger shows a happy green light, so I assume I've got a full charge. Battery is only 2 months old. It is NOT a clicking sound, but a distinct BUZZ. Am considering jump starting with blasting caps and C4, but I would rather keep the boat......I think. Ideas would be appreciated. Have thought about applying some blunt force trauma to sides of starters and engines with a hammer and a 2X2 to see if something would break loose, but I am reluctant to resort to violence unless Carl, Snipe, or Dr tell that is acceptable.

What thinkest thou?
Click to expand...


Thanks to all for the suggestions, and I would have tried them, but I got lucky with a hammer gently applied to a broomstick in contact with the top side of the starter ( which i could barely see down there).. 5-6 good jolts to the casing on both starters freed up whatever was stuck and they fired right up. Had the same thing happen to a car starter many years ago. Apparently these motors don't like to sit around for weeks at a time. They like to be used frequently. Thanks again. I am back in business.........for now.
 
Hmm. Good idea. Why didn't I think of that.


P.S. You will need to rebuild or replace the starter before long. Use it sparingly, as its on death's door. Assume every start is possibly its last.
 
You did think of it. Give yourself a pat on the back

ORION '95 Speedster said:
Hmm. Good idea. Why didn't I think of that.


P.S. You will need to rebuild or replace the starter before long. Use it sparingly, as its on death's door. Assume every start is possibly its last.
Click to expand...

Thanks to your first post back to me I did not start slamming on the engine block. I think whoever designed this boat and put those starters in such a location should be killed. I was BARELY able to see about 1 sq. inch of starter casing down under the exhaust pipe and was able to make contact with the broomstick. Worked like a charm. I hope you are wrong about the starters being on the way out because they are not very old. Thanks for your remarks.
 
Over the years I have worked on many starters. A used starter that has proven to be reliable, is FAR more reliable than a new or new-ish starter. I have seen 2 brand new starters in a row be DOA on arrival. The 3rd brand new starter worked great.
 
When you tap on the starter, you are dislodging the solenoid. If the solenoid is stuck, then its experiencing electrical problems, or there is a mechanical problem. Either one is not good. Don't rely on a starter that needed to be tapped, unless it never needs to be tapped again. If it was a fluke, fine. If its re-occurring, bring a paddle - or bring a spare starter and tools.
 
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