How to Tell if a Starter Is Bad on 3.0-liter Inboard Boat Motor

When the starter on your 3.0-liter marine engine refuses to start the engine, the engine's starter may have gone bad. Before you pitch the starter into the scrap heap, though, make sure the starter is really the source of the problem. Several other things, including a blown main fuse, not moving the throttle/shift lever into "Neutral" before attempting to crank the motor, electrical connections that are not clean and tightly connected and wiring in poor condition can cause symptoms similar to those of a bad starter.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital multimeter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the dial of a digital multimeter to the DC voltage setting. Place the red probe on the positive battery post. Place the black probe on the negative battery post. If the multimeter indicates the battery is producing less than 11.3 volts, recharge or replace the battery before testing the starter.

    • 2

      Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting. Place the red lead of the multimeter on the positive terminal of the starter motor. Place the black lead of the multimeter on the engine ground.

    • 3

      Turn the ignition switch to the "Start" position. Read the voltage indicated on the multimeter.

    • 4

      Move the digital multimeter away from the starter. If the reading on the digital multimeter is less than 9.5 volts, attempt to start the motor. If the motor fails to start when the reading on the digital multimeter is less than 9.5 volts, the starter requires replacement or rebuilding. You can have the starter rebuilt or replaced at the dealership where you purchased the boat.