Mercruiser 165 I6 starter

[Sangster21]

I bought the Arco 30460 starter for my Mercruiser I6 165hp engine. I can't get the starter installed as the solenoid seems to interfere with the tab on the engine!? I have double checked and I appear to have the correct starter. I really don't want to start grinding the engine casting or the starter housing. What gives?
Alan

 

[Sangster21]

Re: Mercruiser 165 I6 starter

I will try to take a photo tomorrow and post it to better explain the problem. The rig needs a starter.

 

[CaptainMak]

Re: Mercruiser 165 I6 starter

I just replaced mine on my Inline 6 about a month ago.
Does the new started look like the one you took out ?
Get those pictures posted so we can see.

 

[Sangster21]

Re: Mercruiser 165 I6 starter

Made it to the shop today to take pictures of the starter interference issues. The old starter is quite a bit bigger than the new Arco one. I also wonder if it was marine specific.... how can you tell. The old starter worked as far as I know, but I am doing a fairly extensive restoration on the whole boat and wanted to start fresh. I have installed a new in block water pump, alternator (old one was pretty much seized) new fuel pump, Pertronics ignition. Any way I tried again to install the new starter and it won't go. Interference between the block and starter solenoid. Pics attached. I installed the old starter to make sure I wasn't spazing out..... no problem. The round file is pointing to the tab on the block that is interfering.
Alan

 

[CaptainMak]

Re: Mercruiser 165 I6 starter

Made it to the shop today to take pictures of the starter interference issues. The old starter is quite a bit bigger than the new Arco one. I also wonder if it was marine specific.... how can you tell. The old starter worked as far as I know, but I am doing a fairly extensive restoration on the whole boat and wanted to start fresh. I have installed a new in block water pump, alternator (old one was pretty much seized) new fuel pump, Pertronics ignition. Any way I tried again to install the new starter and it won't go. Interference between the block and starter solenoid. Pics attached. I installed the old starter to make sure I wasn't spazing out..... no problem. The round file is pointing to the tab on the block that is interfering.
Alan

Take the starter back and get your money back. Doesn't seem like the right fit at all.
Here's a better idea. Instead of getting a new one, you can get one rebuilt for 1/3 of the price of a new one. I'd find a good alternator/starter shop in the area and have them do it. I wish I had a good shop close by when I had to buy mine.