need help figuring out how to remove a starter from a 1996 4.3GL

[Tarponpro]

I just bought a used 1996 Striper sea swirl 2150 with a 4.3 GL Volvo Penta that the seller had running when I arrived, the motor was running great, outdrive worked fine forward and reverse however when we went to restart it, it made a loud grinding sound but started every time.

I suspected the starter was the issue and when I got it home I was unable to get it to start.

I charged the batteries as a precaution and then with a flashlight in hand I inspected the starter and noticed the solenoid was actually broken off and the inner spring was in the bottom of the engine compartment as was a screw and the part that goes into the solenoid.

I spent hours trying to remove the starter even tried to find a video on how to remove it but no luck.

I can only locate one 9/16 bolt on the back of the solenoid but have no room to get a socket wrench in there to back it off.

I know there's supposed to be two bolts holding the starter in place and read that some require shims as well.

is there any simple way to remove and reinstall the starter without having to disassemble much of the surrounding parts?

Also what would cause the solenoid to break apart or come apart like that? The seller said he had the starter replaced less then 3 years ago.

Can really use some help with this... Thank you

 

[Scott Danforth]

shims havent been needed for over 30 years

there are two bolts that go vertical from the bottom of the starter up

sometimes you must pull the motor to get to those bolts.

cheap starters fall apart.

 

[Tarponpro]

shims havent been needed for over 30 years

there are two bolts that go vertical from the bottom of the starter up

sometimes you must pull the motor to get to those bolts.

cheap starters fall apart.

Thank you,
Can you tell me how I can tell if the loud grinding I was hearing was likely from a broken starter or how can I figure out if the Flywheel ring is damaged?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Pull motor and look

 

[Lou C]

You might need to remove the exhaust on that side to get at it. Make sure there is no water in the cyls that kills starters and ruins engines.

 

[saf]

I had to contend with this problem myself last season (I have 1997 Pursuit with 5.7 carbureted engine). It was no fun but I did manage to replace the starter without disassembling anything else. It helps to have long hands and a quality ratchet. I was able to reach both bolts holding the starter while lying on top of the engine. I had to work by touch and it took multiple attempts and a lot of patience. Beats pulling the engine though...

 

[kenny nunez]

One reason you may be having a problem is the bolts are probably metric rather than fractional. The heads may be either 14 or 15 MM.

 

[thisisdom]

One reason you may be having a problem is the bolts are probably metric rather than fractional. The heads may be either 14 or 15 MM.

My 1997 Volvo penta 4.3 GL is so far 100% Imperial bolts, I have not had to remove the starter though.

 

[bruceb58]

Stick a cell phone down there and take some pictures looking up. It will help you find the bolts