OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

[Pete30]

87 OMC Cobra 3.0L GM. I took off the starter and had it rebuilt at a marine/automotive shop. I reinstalled the starter (took me forever and I am sore, I have new respect for the marine mechanic). Now it seems that the starter is not engageing the flyweel. Its just makes a whining sound (no grinding) and sounds like it is just spinning free. I used the same bolts and there were no shims. Did I just mess up putting it back in or is there something I am missing. I can't see the part that is supposed to turn the flywheel or the bolts, so I have been doing this by feel. Any ideas? Thanks everyone.

 

[chris in va]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

Sounds like the rebuild didn't 'take'. The starter shaft is supposed to push forward, then turn the flywheel. I don't suppose you tested the starter before putting it on?

 

[Pete30]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

Thanks for the response, chris. I didn't realize that the shaft pushed forward when starting. (I really don't know what the heck i'm doing, but its fun.) What I did was jump the post of the starter with the positive battery cable to see if it would engage. Maybe I did this wrong and the shaft didn't push forward it just spun the gear? What is the procedure for jumping the starter? Maybe I did that wrong and that is my problem.(I know to vent the engine first). Thanks again!

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

u sure u got it in right? there's 3 bolts for that starter. does the bendix spin? if it does it should engage the flywheel. make sure everything is lined up correctly, & the bolts are in the right place, because there different lenghts. u can jump that starter accross the posts with a screwdriver, but be careful, it'll spark!

 

[chris in va]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

With mine I connected the two wires and the small connector from the solenoid, then ran a thick wire from the negative post on the battery to the body of the starter. Careful though, the torque from the starter may twist right off whatever you have it sitting on.

 

[Pete30]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

Thanks...<br /><br />Sea Wolf, did you say that there are three bolts? When I got the boat the starter and alternator were in a box, I only used two bolts, both were on the stern side of the starter once it was installed. There was one short one 2" and a long one (4"). Am I missing a bolt?

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

i also have the 3.0 omc. on mine there are 3 bolts. i can't look now 'cause it's dark but i'm almost positive that there is a bracket that bolts the starter to the block. i once left it off. because the starter wasen't lined up correctly, it wouldn't disengage after i started the engine. not a fun day at the dock. i'll check tomorrow & let u know.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

well pete, u got my curiosity up, so i checked. there's an L shaped bracket that bolts from the front of the starter to the block. short bolt. 2 long bolts in the rear. a real pain to get at. check it out.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

hey pete, check out dougrussell.com. they got you're bracket, if u need it. go to the omc parts section, under starters for the 3.0.

 

[Pete30]

Re: OMC 3.0L Starter just spins

Thanks seawolf, looked in my box of parts that came with the bolt, I have the bracket. I tightened up the two bolts that I have on there now and the starter turns the engine fine. I'll check dougrussel and see if I can find where the bracket goes. Thanks for the help. BTW, I finally got the engine to turn this weekend, now I just need spark and gas, but I am almost there, I think!