OEM Starter question

[sidechoke67]

I have a 2001 Glastron SX 175, with a 3.0L Volvo Penta. Last year, my original Volvo starter started acting flakey - working sometimes...working all the time when I lightly tapped it with a wrench. So, I ended up replacing the starter with an Sierra equivalent starter. When I got the starter, and first put it in, I heard a metal-on-metal grinding sound - like the gears on the pinion weren't meshing with the fly wheel correctly. I took it out, and called Sierra, and they assured me the starter is the right one for my motor. While it was out, I laid it side-by-side with my original Volvo starter, and they were almost identical - but there was a few millimeters difference where the pinion opening lined up. So, I installed the Sierra starter again, and it worked fine.

The Sierra starter worked great all last summer, and this Spring...until today. I was out tubing with my kids in a nearby lake, and after a few stops and starts, I got that same metal-on-metal noise when I turned the key. I didn't push the issue, and came back to the launch on my trolling motor.

So...I'm not sure what to do next. I am assuming my problem is due to the few millimeters difference between where the pinion lines up on the two starters (never had this problem with the original starter). My guess is that I can loosen the starter, and re-seat it to get it to work again...for a little while at least.

So...I could buy another original Volvo starter for $400, or try another OEM brand for $130 or so, or potentially try to fabricate something to get my Sierra starter to line up better.

Anyone have any advice or gone through something similar? I could live with spending $400 for a Volvo starter if it is going to solve my problem...our summers are short in upstate NY, and it is killing me that I'll miss time on the water due to a starter problem for the 2nd summer in a row.

Thanks a lot for any info, advice, etc!!

 

[chargerboy]

Re: OEM Starter question

try using starter shims to hold the starter out from the flywheel a little, I know that works on a chevy block that has the same symptoms, it might work on yours too.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: OEM Starter question

Shims are available at any alternator/starter rebuilder or most auto stores. And yes, what you are hearing is very likely a starter that needs shimming or the bolts are not tight.

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: OEM Starter question

Thanks guys! I'll try the shims..

 

[Colliemcc]

Re: OEM Starter question

I have the same boat as you with a 4.3 in her. i have had the same kind of prob before but it turned out to be a faulty solenid.. bad place for the starters on are boats as the water runs down on to then when people are climbing on board with the ladder

 

[180shabah]

Re: OEM Starter question

bad place for the starters on are boats as the water runs down on to then when people are climbing on board with the ladder

That is actually poor transom/vent design....

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: OEM Starter question

Quick update: I pulled the starter last night. The bendex looked good. I turned the motor by hand, and the teeth in the fly wheel all looked good. So, I put one shim in (0.04") and re-installed the starter motor. All seems good....I started the boat about 6 times tonight and it was smooth.

I should note that while I was taking the starter motor out, I thought the bolts seemed a little loose...not like I noticed starter moving or anything, but I did think that the bolts weren't that tight. Once I got it out, I was debating whether to try to re-install the starter without the shim, and just tighten it up really good. However, I went with the shim. My best guess is that I probably could have gone without it, and just tightened the bolts really good and I would have been fine. Then again, the very first time I installed the starter, I had the same problem. Re-seating it solved the problem that time...for awhile.

During this process, I also called tech support at Sierra. The guy I spoke to said that usually if the starter needs shims, there will be a consistent noise/problem, and the issue won't come and go. I had my problem when I first installed, then it went away for awhile, and re-appeared...making me think that it was just bolts that had come a little lose.

In any case, it is working now, and sounds good so I'm not going to mess with it until it breaks again.

 

[cr2k]

Re: OEM Starter question

FYI every time you take the starter off you should replace the bolts. This may be akin to your original problem. If you noticed the bolts have a knurled area near the head. This is an interference fit designed to keep the starter in alignment and tight. Once they get used the fit is not what it should be.

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