Help me identify this bolt!

[93maxum4.3lx]

Winterized my boat yesterday. Found this bolt sitting in the bilge under the motor (4.3 mercruiser alpha gen 2). Any ideas what it came from?

I've owned the boat for a few years and have never lost any bolts, so either it's been hanging out down there for quite a while, or it recently fell out over this past season.

Bolt has black paint on most of the head and a portion of the shaft as well, so it was in an external area that got exposed to factory engine paint, I believe.

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

Might be from the starter or alternator, get yer flashlight out.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

That sort of looks like a bolt used on a starter case. Maybe like #6 here http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...RTER+MOTOR+8"(PG+260)+2-7/8"+DIAMETER+END+CAP just a guess.

 

[achris]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

Looks too small for a starter mounting bolt, and too short for the casing bolts. Looks to be 3/16" x 2-3/4", with a 5/16" socket head. Maybe an alternator casing through bolt... #21 in the attached picture.

Chris.....

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

Yeah, look at the alternator. Good eye Chris .

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

Also the bolt kind of has the look of being a starter casing through bolt as well, They had two different sized starters around 1993 so keep an eye on your starter motor as well.

STARTER MOTOR 3-1/4" DIAMETER END CAP
STARTER MOTOR 8"(PG 260) 2-7/8" DIAMETER END CAP

Look up item numbers 6 & 19 under the two starter sections.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectDocs.asp?doc_nbr=801874+93

 

[93maxum4.3lx]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

thanks guys - I will check it out and let you know.

 

[stackz]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

looks like an alternator case bolt. its at least a housing bolt of some sort...and one where some of it was exposed when the part was painted after originally being put together from the paint down the side of it.

 

[93maxum4.3lx]

Re: Help me identify this bolt!

This was indeed an alternator bolt. I found ALL of the alternator case bolts to be loose (not backed out, but no torque on them either, they were "finger tight.") All back together now, thanks everyone!