454 Starter

[swansont]

Oh boy, had a ton-o-fun, pulled the starter yesterday. 454 in the space where a 350 should be sitting, 90 degrees and about 70 percent humidity, thank goodness for my top.

Starter shot craps all the sudden, out on the water of course, last weekend, never gave any indication. Oh, then the storm that blew up while I was dead in the water. Shore patrol even abandoned me, said "we'll be back when the wind dies down!"

Oh well, guess it's better than the hydro-lock that I thought had occurred. Dropping the starter off to be rebuilt this morning, can't wait for the fun of hanging the SOB back in there. Joys of boating, right?

Thanks, just wanted a Monday morning rant.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 454 Starter

I just replaced one on my 454 a week ago Saturday. Same deal, not nearly enough space (had to take off the exhaust manifold), hot and humid, and I used my bimini for shade. Only difference is the plastic part of the solenoid crumbled before I even applied any torque to the main cable nut and I got the unique pleasure of doing the work twice... Runs great now though.

 

[swansont]

Re: 454 Starter

Yea, I wish I would have done a bit more research before I dropped the old one off at the rebuild shop. I read a couple of old posts that talk about the lighter, smaller starter that is available. I hit ebay and found that w/shipping I could have had oone of those for about $110. Not really the price consideration, but the thought of muscleing that stock heavy SOB back in place. Guess I'll know better if I ever have to do it again. (which I hope I don't)

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 454 Starter

The lighter one has a plastic ring gear that fails (mine did). The old style may be more robust.

 

[swansont]

Re: 454 Starter

That's good to hear, just got a call from the rebuild shop, they're already done with mine, $95, less than a day turn-around, can't beat that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 454 Starter

Ayuh,.........

Ya gotta be Careful with those new Mini Starters,........

There's the little Permanent Magnet Starters,......
And,....
There's the little Gear Reduction Starters.........

The Gear Reduction Starters are Great for a Boat, as they're Sealed,+ Explosion Proof by Design........

The other little 1s, the Permanent Magnet Starters Still have to be Marine Rated,......
As they are Not Sealed,+ Explosion Proof,..... Unless Stated so,+ have a Marine Rating......

 

[bekosh]

Re: 454 Starter

Oh boy, had a ton-o-fun, pulled the starter yesterday. 454 in the space where a 350 should be sitting, 90 degrees and about 70 percent humidity, thank goodness for my top.

Starter shot craps all the sudden, out on the water of course, last weekend, never gave any indication. Oh, then the storm that blew up while I was dead in the water. Shore patrol even abandoned me, said "we'll be back when the wind dies down!"

Oh well, guess it's better than the hydro-lock that I thought had occurred. Dropping the starter off to be rebuilt this morning, can't wait for the fun of hanging the SOB back in there. Joys of boating, right?

Thanks, just wanted a Monday morning rant.

In the words of the former Prez. "I feel your pain."
I too have a 454 where a 350 should be. 2 weeks ago I had to change my bilge pump.
I have concluded that there is a market out there for contortionist midget marine mechanics.

 

[swansont]

Re: 454 Starter

Boy ain't that the truth, gawd I was dreading putting the SOB back in. I went home last night and thought, ahhh what the heck, I'll give it a whirl, putting it back in. The dang thing practically fell in. 10 minutes...and that included the wire that I missed (duh) and had to back up and put on. Guess I will be out on the water this weekend.

wooooo-hoooooo!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 454 Starter

One of the NAPA stores near me stocks the Sierra, marine rated, permanent magnet, reduction gear starters. They also sell a non-marine rated starter that fits, but it's a rebuilt, requires a core, and costs MORE than the Marine starter. Funny.

 

[swansont]

Re: 454 Starter

Well, I'll keep that in mind, but I really hope I never have to mess with it again. Wishful thinking...........