Need to know about what sounds like a bad starter in a car, but it's on my 1996 Speedster

[Wheeelz]

After three full days of use, starting and stopping without issues, I tried to crank my boat, and the left engine fired right up, as normal, but the right engine gave a clunking sound, similar to what a bad starter in a car sounds like. Could it be that easy? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sandman251]

Yes, it can be that easy..... sometimes. The first thing I would do is remove the spark plugs and attempt to turn the boat over again. Put a rag over the holes in case your issue is a hydrolock of some kind. If it turns over and you get an unusual amount of fluid coming from the cylinders you will know where to start troubleshooting. Might as well leave the plugs out. If it still just clunks, try to turn the PTO with your hands. This will tell you if there is an issue with the motor or a bound up jet pump. If the motor rotates freely, that's good. The rest of this is oversimplifying a little, but then I would put my hand on the starter and have somebody hit the starter button. If you feel clunking coming directly from the starter it's likely the starter. If the clunking is coming from the solenoid inside MPEM enclosure, it's likely the solenoid. This is what I've always tried when I've had these problems. Just my two cents.

 

[brenthenny]

Yes, it can be that easy..... sometimes. The first thing I would do is remove the spark plugs and attempt to turn the boat over again. Put a rag over the holes in case your issue is a hydrolock of some kind. If it turns over and you get an unusual amount of fluid coming from the cylinders you will know where to start troubleshooting. Might as well leave the plugs out. If it still just clunks, try to turn the PTO with your hands. This will tell you if there is an issue with the motor or a bound up jet pump. If the motor rotates freely, that's good. The rest of this is oversimplifying a little, but then I would put my hand on the starter and have somebody hit the starter button. If you feel clunking coming directly from the starter it's likely the starter. If the clunking is coming from the solenoid inside MPEM enclosure, it's likely the solenoid. This is what I've always tried when I've had these problems. Just my two cents.

I have a similar issue, if you run jumper cables directly to the starter and it just gives you the loud thunk is it a clear sign that you need a new starter?

 

[brenthenny]

Yes, it can be that easy..... sometimes. The first thing I would do is remove the spark plugs and attempt to turn the boat over again. Put a rag over the holes in case your issue is a hydrolock of some kind. If it turns over and you get an unusual amount of fluid coming from the cylinders you will know where to start troubleshooting. Might as well leave the plugs out. If it still just clunks, try to turn the PTO with your hands. This will tell you if there is an issue with the motor or a bound up jet pump. If the motor rotates freely, that's good. The rest of this is oversimplifying a little, but then I would put my hand on the starter and have somebody hit the starter button. If you feel clunking coming directly from the starter it's likely the starter. If the clunking is coming from the solenoid inside MPEM enclosure, it's likely the solenoid. This is what I've always tried when I've had these problems. Just my two cents.

I have the same issue, curious if it ended up being the starter?

 

[JeremyD615]

Like was mentioned in your other thread, you need to see if it will turn over without the plugs in. Try to keep your questions on the other thread so that information doesn’t get crossed up in this one.