Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

[pontooner]

I pulled my starter the other day because when I tried to turn the engine over the started was just spinning. When I got it off I noticed that the bell housing end was broken off. Then I noticed that the weld was broke loose from one side of the bracket that held the rod that attached to the end bracket on the back end of the starter. The mounting bolts were not loose or bent. It looked as though the starter had been torqued petty hard. I used the boat for several hours on Saturday with no problems. When I went to put it in on Sunday is when the starter was free spinning. What I am afraid of is that somehow the motor is siezed. How can I turn the motor by hand to find this out? Should I be able to put it in gear and force the prop? This engine is in a pontoon boat and it is faily dificult to get to anything. It was a bear removing the starter. I am afraid to put the new starter on for fear that a seized motor may have broke the other starter. I am hoping this was just a fluke with the starter.
Thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

Welcome to iboats.....
Pull out the sparkplugs.....
You should be able to turn it by putting a wrench on the alternator bolt.....​

 

[OneFineFiftyNine]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

I'm definitely not an expert, but is there perhaps a nut on the crankshaft pulley you could attack a socket and a breaker bar to and try to spin the engine manually? Or if you can see the flywheel cogs then perhaps CAREFULLY you can turn the engine with a pry bar...but you run the risk of breaking the teeth on the flywheel.

If you can get to either of those, that is. Hopefully somebody more experienced will chime in.

 

[pontooner]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

Givin the circunstanses that I provided, do you think I have big problems or is the way this starter is broken just a fluke? Crossing my fingers on Lake Lanier

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

Hard to say, pull the plugs, if you see water come out of the cylinders, then yes.......
Pull the plugs, spin the engine, post back with your results.......​

 

[pontooner]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

I pulled the plugs and turned the crank (with a wrench) and my hands. I installed the new starter. My boat started (several times). I appreciate the tip. I'm back in business.
When my 3.0 first starts it shakes and thumps, I wonder if that is what broke (torqued) my starter to begin with? or is that normal? When the engine is warmed up, it smooths out (1 -2 minutes). Once again, Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

When my 3.0 first starts it shakes and thumps, I wonder if that is what broke (torqued) my starter to begin with? or is that normal? When the engine is warmed up, it smooths out (1 -2 minutes).

Sounds like you need to give it some rpm when it cold so it runs a little smoother when cold. That shouldn't break the starter.
The 3.0L engines do break starters like that now and then. I ALWAYS install new starter bolts with a new starter. They are knurled and hold the starter a lot more solid that used bolts, and be sure the brace is installed on the starter.
A full tuneup and choke adjustment may also help your engines cold running ability.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

New bolts and DAMN TIGHT! Those 3.0s shake starters loose .

 

[longisldr]

Re: Broken Starter 3.0 4cyl

I too can attest to those 3.0's shaking starters loose. Happens to me twice a season and cost me a starter once. New bolts and proper torque on them should do the trick, hopefully!!