Slow Starting

[stevew]

I have an 1985 70 hp. From the day I bought it , about two years ago I have had an issue with the starting. When I first go to start the engine, I always prime with the bulb, then a little choke. But when I engage the starter with the key it hardly cranks.
After two or three attempts it will fire into life and be fine all day.
To try to elimate the problem I have done the following.
1. New Battery (and yes its being charged)
2. Checked and cleaned all connections.
3. New Soleiod
4. New bushes in the starter motor.
What I found funny when I changed the bushes was that for a short while after that it started fine, and gradullay went back to as above.
I noticed a fair amount of carbon around the armiture of the starter when I changed the bushes, I cleaned as much as I could at the time. But now I woundering could all that dust be affecting the contacts ?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

[boats.net]

Have battery cables load tested to see if ok, may need to replace starter.

[stevew]

HI again,
You are excatly right. The cables are stuffed. They dropped 1 x volt between the motor and the battery. Ill check out a new set.
Thanks so much, you are always a great help.
Cheers
Steve