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sticky LM318

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:19 pm
by jwhalen
Need some thoughts. Have not been down to the boat for about 3 weeks. I have a 1976 318LM. When I went down to start the boat it would not turn over immediately. It seemed as if the engine was stuck. Had the risers checked and all is fine no leaks. Had the starter rebuilt this past summer. We have not had low enough temps yet for freezing. I hit the ignition switch a couple of times and it then turned over and started right up.

Any ideas as to why it stuck?

Thanks

John

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:50 pm
by k9th
Could it be the batteries? When they are down a little on charge they display that symptom at times.

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 6:47 am
by prowlersfish
Starter ?

I don't think it would be the Engine when engines stick they are stuck.

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 7:50 am
by rbcool
One of my customers called me last spring with the identical problem. When I told him it was probably the battery he proceded to tell me it couldn't be the batteries because his little tester told him it had 12.6 volts. So I charged him $65 to come down and put my real battery tester on the battery. It immediately told me his Amps were very low (CCA). The battery was shot for starting. He put a new battery in and has had no problems all season.
If the battery tests out fine then it could be loose or corroded connections at the starter or the ground.

Ron 8)

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:36 pm
by jwhalen
Thanks,

I will check the batteries.

John

Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 11:38 am
by rossjo
figure it out?

I've had starters go bad and stick in certain spots .... tap them (pretty hard) to get the going.

Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:47 am
by jwhalen
I tightened all my connections and the problem has not repeated. Might of been a loose connection. Thanks for asking.

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 8:29 am
by rossjo
The starter in my 26 needs a tap after its been sitting for a month or so (doesn't happen often).

My Sunbeam Tiger's fuel pump (mechanical on the side of the tank) needs a tap to get it "clinking" after its been sitting for a while (does happen often).

Now, the starter on my old Vette is hanging - damn!