Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

[Osprey55]

Is it possible to replace the solenoid on a Delco Remy starter WITHOUT
removing the starter? I think I will have to have the engine removed to get to my starter and all that it needs is the solenoid ( that I broke into pieces ).
It is a 1983 Mercruiser 260M ( 350 5.7) sitting in a Sunbrunner 245 with absolutely no clearance to get to the starter bolts.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

Most likely, there is no way arround engine removal - sucks, but alot of boats are designed with zero thought to access.

 

[gbeltran]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

As long as you can see the solenoid and get your hands in there it's entirely possible. Disconnect the battery, take the cables off, mark which post they go to, then it's a bolt or screw on each side of the solenoind (one you can probably see the other will be next to the block and require and extension and a socket) and one on the back of the solenoid. Once those are out it grab the solenoid and turn it one way or the other, then it just comes off. There is a spring also, you'll see it as the solenoid is removed, sometimes they come with new ones, sometimes you reuse the old one. Install is reverse of above procudure.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

Not quite that easy. Reconnecting the shift fork (to extend the Bendix) and keeping the spring in place can be a bear with the starter laying on a bench (unless you have an extra pair of hands). Trying to do it while hanging upside down in a bilge where you can't see??? I would say near impossible.

I agree, plus getting the inside screw back in will also be challanging...

 

[gbeltran]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

Yeah the inside screw is going to be the challenge, but I don't know why the shift fork would cause any issues. It shouldn't come off internally unless the pivot point for that assembly was damaged somehow. Once the solenoid is off you can move that plunger around and the bendix will move back and forth but the fork isn't going to come off unless they changed the way an old school GM starter is made, and in 83 they had not yet started using those modern gear reduction or permanent magnet versions.

 

[Osprey55]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

Thank you all for the suggestions.. I am going to look at it one more time.
The manifold removal might just work. All I need is about 2 more inches
of clearance.
Of not, then, I will concede what my wife tells me... that I need professional help, and call a mechanic.

 

[Osprey55]

Re: Delco - Remy starter solenoid R&R... dumb question

I will give this a shot. I will also pick up the longer starter bolts when I get
the gaskets for the manifold & riser. They were replaced in 2006, so hopefully
I won't break off any bolt heads on those.
Thanks again.