Almost back in the H2O. New engine, new carb, new fuel pump, one issue left.

[7362]

Well, if anyone's been following along. I blew my 305 cu inch, replaced it with a new rebuild 350 block. Rocheser carb was operating poorly-Edelbrock 1409 installed. Continued to have fuel issues, replaced electric fuel pump with Mercruiser mechanical OEM pump. Result engine runs very well, as it should there's nothing left to do.

I must say, I am a big fan of the mechanical pump. Safer, and works like a charm. I am not sure what that Carter electrical was doing. In any case, one problem left---for now. Starters:

I replaced the starter as it seems to trip the 50 a circuit breaker. I put in an Arco 30470.
It does will grind every so often. Tried the .060 shim as mentioned in earlier threads, still has issues with interference grinding. The starter gear looks fine. My flywheel is getting some tooth damage, and wearing down. Not good.

My questions that I would appreciate help with are:

Is OEM the best?, what is the proper Mercruiser p/n for a 14" flywheel , standard CW rotation (I think). 350 cuin (year unknown (mid early 1990's?) 4bbl,).

Is Delco a good manufacturer should Merc prove to expensive?

I see some 14- 1/4 flywheels mentioned and this is confusing me as well.??

The Arco 30470 high performance starter spun very fast during start. My question is can you apply too many cranking amps? I have a West marine Seavolt dual purpose (550 CCA, 810 MCA). Aside from not engaging properly, it turned very quickly. Wondering if the amperage could be an issue.?

THis 350 engine was originally built as an OMC, but it now is in a Mercruiser alpha one installation. Should the starter selected be for OMC, or Merc?. My assumption is a 350 block is a 350 block and it should not matter.

Thanks for all your help. This forum is tremendous.. I appreciate your feedback and assistance.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Almost back in the H2O. New engine, new carb, new fuel pump, one issue left.

Is OEM the best?, what is the proper Mercruiser p/n for a 14" flywheel , standard CW rotation (I think). 350 cuin (year unknown (mid early 1990's?) 4bbl,).

Ayuh,.... Take Yer flywheel off,... Pound off the Ring Gear,....
Heat it in yer oven til HOT, 'n drop it back onto it's seat on the flywheel,... Upside-down....

You have a new ready to go wear surface...

Is Delco a good manufacturer should Merc prove to expensive?

Ya, good as any, make sure it's Marine sealed type starter...

I see some 14- 1/4 flywheels mentioned and this is confusing me as well.??

Yer's is a 168 tooth, the only other is 153 tooth....

My question is can you apply too many cranking amps?

Nope,... The appliance will draw whatever it wants, regardless what's available...

My assumption is a 350 block is a 350 block and it should not matter.

In that case, Yes, same thing, different dressin's...


When ya have it a part,... Check the clearance between the bendix drive, 'n the ring gear...
A straightened paperclip is a pretty good clearance gage...

 

[7362]

Re: Almost back in the H2O. New engine, new carb, new fuel pump, one issue left.

Thanks Bond-o. I am not a fan of the aftermarket starter world. What is the general consensus on aftermarket vs OEM.
Is going OEM worth the price differential? I have heard the clearances and tolerances used by Merc are the best. ARCO in my humble opinion is not a wise choice. Any additional recommendations or thoughts would be welcome.

Just to confirm-most all 350 cu in blocks use 14" flywheels? Trying to get flywheel saavy.

UPDATE: I purchased OEM Merc 50-863007A 1 starter today-

Generally speaking should I install starter with a shim, or should the Merc part be a better match to the block. Thanks again.