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Starter Keeps Going Bad


ryan04wakesetter

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Hello all,

I have an 04 Wakesetter Direct Drive and at the beginning of this year had to replace the starter. Looks as if it corroded over the winter months. I bought a new starter from NAPA and had it installed. About a month later the starter failed to engage. I tapped it with a hammer and got it to engage and then had it replaced again. Finally the 2nd starter went this passed weekend. It seems to not engage as well. The dealership told me they would replace it at no charge and that maybe i need my risers and exhaust manifolds replaced. Their theory is that the starter may be overheating. This doesnt make much sense to me because the engine doesnt seem to be running hot. They took a temperature reading while running it off of a hose at 155 degrees. I am no expert on engines and wanted to know if anyone has a theory on why I keep having starter problems. Thanks in advance.

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I have an 04 and had one go bad but I can't say whether the previous owner ever got it wet.

As for number two and three, I could be wrong but I didn't think a napa starter was comparable to a true marine starter.

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Do direct drives have a damper plate? If so, do a search and you will see I had starter troubles right before my damper plate/flywheel blew. It sounds like that could be the problem, but I hope not.

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Do direct drives have a damper plate? If so, do a search and you will see I had starter troubles right before my damper plate/flywheel blew. It sounds like that could be the problem, but I hope not.

The damper plate bolts to the flywheel and doesn't come in contact with the starter (unless parts come completely off of it). The ring gear on the flywheel however can develope rough spots on the teeth and grind away at the starter gear.

Ryan,... has corrosion been the problem with all your starters?. How high has water gotten up to in your bilge? Like said above,.... you really need to invest in a marine unit. They are made for this environment and certified by the USCG to be safe. Automotive starters can emit sparks,... if you have gas fumes in the bilge it could be dangerous.

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Do direct drives have a damper plate? If so, do a search and you will see I had starter troubles right before my damper plate/flywheel blew. It sounds like that could be the problem, but I hope not.

The damper plate bolts to the flywheel and doesn't come in contact with the starter (unless parts come completely off of it). The ring gear on the flywheel however can develope rough spots on the teeth and grind away at the starter gear.

Ryan,... has corrosion been the problem with all your starters?. How high has water gotten up to in your bilge? Like said above,.... you really need to invest in a marine unit. They are made for this environment and certified by the USCG to be safe. Automotive starters can emit sparks,... if you have gas fumes in the bilge it could be dangerous.

Plus1.gif

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Hello all,

I have an 04 Wakesetter Direct Drive and at the beginning of this year had to replace the starter. Looks as if it corroded over the winter months. I bought a new starter from NAPA and had it installed. About a month later the starter failed to engage. I tapped it with a hammer and got it to engage and then had it replaced again. Finally the 2nd starter went this passed weekend. It seems to not engage as well. The dealership told me they would replace it at no charge and that maybe i need my risers and exhaust manifolds replaced. Their theory is that the starter may be overheating. This doesnt make much sense to me because the engine doesnt seem to be running hot. They took a temperature reading while running it off of a hose at 155 degrees. I am no expert on engines and wanted to know if anyone has a theory on why I keep having starter problems. Thanks in advance.

Make sure it is stamped SAEJ1171 (Marine certification) If it is not throw it away...

Most of the auto parts stores stock junk / made over seas parts. Make sure you are replacing yours with a Delco (Made in the good ol' USA) starter. Any Indmar or Mercruiser starter is the way to go. You will pay more for it but you will not have to deal with the headaches.

More info / if you can't find one local, we can get you the correct starter: http://www.bakesonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=1237

good luck!

-Paul

Link to comment
Do direct drives have a damper plate? If so, do a search and you will see I had starter troubles right before my damper plate/flywheel blew. It sounds like that could be the problem, but I hope not.

The damper plate bolts to the flywheel and doesn't come in contact with the starter (unless parts come completely off of it). The ring gear on the flywheel however can develope rough spots on the teeth and grind away at the starter gear.

Ryan,... has corrosion been the problem with all your starters?. How high has water gotten up to in your bilge? Like said above,.... you really need to invest in a marine unit. They are made for this environment and certified by the USCG to be safe. Automotive starters can emit sparks,... if you have gas fumes in the bilge it could be dangerous.

The short story.............2004 23 LSV HH...........The bolts on my flywheel/damper plate loosened and backed out. The crooked flywheel caused the starter to lock up. The starter was replaced and after very little run time (same day), the flywheel came completely off and blew through the bell housing. All I'm saying is check the flywheel for play while the starter is out. If your starter "went bad" because it locked up, definitely take a closer look.

Link to comment
Do direct drives have a damper plate? If so, do a search and you will see I had starter troubles right before my damper plate/flywheel blew. It sounds like that could be the problem, but I hope not.

The damper plate bolts to the flywheel and doesn't come in contact with the starter (unless parts come completely off of it). The ring gear on the flywheel however can develope rough spots on the teeth and grind away at the starter gear.

Ryan,... has corrosion been the problem with all your starters?. How high has water gotten up to in your bilge? Like said above,.... you really need to invest in a marine unit. They are made for this environment and certified by the USCG to be safe. Automotive starters can emit sparks,... if you have gas fumes in the bilge it could be dangerous.

The short story.............2004 23 LSV HH...........The bolts on my flywheel/damper plate loosened and backed out. The crooked flywheel caused the starter to lock up. The starter was replaced and after very little run time (same day), the flywheel came completely off and blew through the bell housing. All I'm saying is check the flywheel for play while the starter is out. If your starter "went bad" because it locked up, definitely take a closer look.

Sounds like someone forgot to torque the flywheel bolts to the proper specs,... and yes DD do have damper plates.

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