Expert: tyler boehner - 2/13/2008

Question
Ok, here is my problem. When starting the boat, everything seems to go fine,
but it does not kick up into that higher gear to get running. You turn to the key
and it trys to start, but it seems like its just not getting enough umph to start
running.

Answer
If I understand the question, the starter isn't turning the motor fast enough to start.  What you want to do is get a voltage reading off of the positive wire on the starter motor as it is turning over the motor.  This will tell you if you are getting at least the 10 to 11 volts it needs to start a motor.  The higher the better.  If you aren't, check your battery.  It might have enough voltage, but check the battery voltage while you are cranking the motor.  If you have a weak battery, it will fall way off on voltage when the motor is  cranking.  If both are good, check your grounds just to make sure it isn't something simple, then start looking for a new starter.