6.2 L Nautique 200 motor turns over very slowly.

[BS74]

The motor starts but seems like it takes effort to turn over. I thought maybe a bad battery so put in a new one, no difference. Today, after shutting off the engine to let skier in the boat it would hardly turn over. Engine Temp was 160. I'll check all connections tomorrow. Anyone else had any experience with this problem?

[UWSkier]

Do you mean slow cranking or it cranks normally but takes a while to "catch?"

 

I know you mentioned battery but I've seen batteries that seemingly had great connections benefit from cleaning up the posts and cables with a little sand paper. Triple check everything is super snug and all connections are clean. Then check and clean any common connection points like the batt switch, inline main breaker if there is one, the ground stud on the engine, the positive lead from the batt on the starter.

 

Did you happen to notice the voltage with the engine running?

[MNshortliner]

How many hours and do you shut the boat off often. Kind of sounds like it could be a weak starter.

[BS74]

Going to do all UWskier suggestions today. Voltage is up at 14. Boat has 365 hrs. Just normal turn off, skier getting into boat, etc. It's a 2017 200

[teammalibu]

Check oil level they like to make oil!

[ReallyGottaSki]

After an extended crank, quickly feel all connections and cables. Where it's hot, is too resistive.

Btw what sort of battery?. Not deep cycle marine I trust...

[Jordan]

Once my brother in law's boat wouldn't start, it would barely turn over.

Quick call to the mechanic, he is too busy to look at it, but says try taking the connectors off and lightly sand the battery posts and the inside of the connectors...

We shook our heads at that advice but tried it. It fired tight up.

[BS74]

Just cleaned all terminals, saw some that had a green tint. Took a dremel with wire brush and cleaned all connections, including where attached to engine block, starter and battery.. I hit the start button and it seemed like it wanted to start immediately. Boat is in garage so shut it off instantly, will see when I ski tomorrow.Yes, new marine "start"battery. Thanks for all the input, will let you know tomorrow.

[Adam Caldwell]

@BS74 If your bidlge ever flooded and sat full of water, it’s likely that the starter was underwater and is slowly degrading as a result.

 

Starters are cheap and pretty easy to swap.

[BS74]

Good news, she cranks right up now. Just needed to clean all the contacts. Need to remember to crack the motor hood after skiing. On a down note, I got ready to ski and couldn't stop thinking about an old friend George Tracy who lost his life yesterday when his head went thru the handle. Decided my head wasn't in it and took a pass on skiing, just an empty feeling in my stomach. Tomorrow is another day, everyone ski safely!

[Jetsetr]

Always check the grounds as well...they can cause just as many issues. I always spray everything with the battery terminal spray stuff, and use dielectric grease on everything else.