Expert: Everett Peacock - 5/19/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1988 Forrester Bowrider 171 sport. I just re-powered the boat as it had a blown engine when I bought it.

It has a 4.3L motor. I put a new battery and starter but the boat cranks very slowly like something is holding it back, and I can't turn the motor by hand.

When I put the motor in we did not align it, just didn't move anything and put it in just so. I have taken the outdrive off, it has a 4.3L cobra drive, and still does the same thing.

I am at a loss as to what it can be. My only other thought might be timing, my distributor does not have the 3 wire connector, its the older style.

Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: check the battery cables for corrosion..

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The cables are fine.  I have the correct voltage at all connections.  The slow crank comes with a kind of grinding noise, and I do not know what could be holding the motor back.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Answer
you may have the voltage but not the amps...can you do a voltage drop test.???
do you know how what that test is done ??

The grinding noise bothers me...is that grinding noise with the drive on or off  or both ?  could be starter bearings, water pump bearings ,  Alt.  bearings  Power steering pump bearings.???

check it out and let me know....

docksidemarine12@aol.com