pull engine to replace starter?

[Scott Danforth]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

Don, if it was easy, we wouldnt enjoy the fruits of our labor

Jack, you will loose some skin from the knuckles. pulling the starter back up is why I suggested a piece of nylon chord. it will get it up to where you can get a hand on it. you may also find that you have to lay on top of the engine. I have used a throw cushion after I pull off the spark arrester.

you may also have to put the outboard bolt into the starter as you get it into place because it doesnt look like you will get the bolt in with the stringer in the way.

 

[JackBronson]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

OK, so let's review: I can't actually see all of the bolts that need to be removed, I'll need rope to reinstall, there will be blood letting and lost skin, and I will do all this laying on the top of the engine while contorting my hand(s). Perfect. It's supposed to rain all weekend, so maybe I'll get started on this in the morning since I naturally will be doing this outside.

Easy. I did a fuel pump on a '72 Challenger in a driving snow storm, a tranny swap on a '74 Cutlass while being attacked by squadrons of mosquitoes. Looking forward to it...

 

[Pete104]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

Are ya sure it's the starter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

avon skin-so-soft will keep the mosquitoes at bay.

 

[JackBronson]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

This is how you pull the starter on an '87 Starcraft 191s with the MerCruiser 230 HP GM 305 motor: lay on top of the engine and reach down under the engine. Thanks to 888 for that suggestion.




After reading Don's last post which basically said 'don't be a wimp and just do the job' and 'get the right tools', I was determined to take a real shot at getting the starter off. After a trip to Harbor Freight for some new disposable tools (the 3/8" air ratchet for $18 turned out to be worth every penny) I set to work and it took about 2 hours. Only lost about a quarter pint of blood and was a little nauseous after so much time with my head essentially upside down.

Another good suggestion (from Scott) I used was to put a nylon strap around the engine to hold the starter in place before taking out the bolts.

The bolt I could not see was actually the easiest. It was also helpful having the new starter here to see exactly what the bolt pattern is. Dropped the starter into the bilge and slid it out in front of the engine.

Thanks to all the posters who offered advice and suggestions.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

to take this seat assembly apart (which might allow me to lay on the floor of the boat to remove the starter) would require removing fasteners from old wood and makes me think I'd end up with a can of worms way wormier than just pulling the engine.

Well, it looks like to remove the engine you would have to take the seat assembly off anyway.

 

[JackBronson]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

Bruce,

The intake has lift points on the intake manifold, and it appears that hoisting the motor straight up would clear the back seat. Fortunately, it didn't come to that.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

I guess removing the manifold on the starboard side wasn't an option for more working space? Good job though never say never where ever theres a will theres a way!

 

[JackBronson]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

While I was jammed into the space next to the engine evaluating how hard it would be to remove the exhaust manifold I decided that the starter was so far below the manifold taking it off wouldn't be worth how long it would take to pull and replace. and it actually provides a good flat surface for the chest as you are laying across the top of the motor!

 

[888]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

While I was jammed into the space next to the engine evaluating how hard it would be to remove the exhaust manifold I decided that the starter was so far below the manifold taking it off wouldn't be worth how long it would take to pull and replace. and it actually provides a good flat surface for the chest as you are laying across the top of the motor!

Good job. Everything is possible if you wanna do it. Does she turn over nice and fast for ya now? Happy Boating

 

[captk]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

I have to agree with Don on this one! this is why I am no longer a marine tech at 55. An air ratchet and three elbows help alot. if the bolts that hold the dust cover on , and they always are, are too close to the starter bolts they have to be removed first. I, having done more than a few, would not hesitate to pull the engine . it sounds much more daunting than it really is and gives you the unique opportunity to examine those parts we never see and repair as needed. best luck Bill

 

[888]

Re: pull engine to replace starter?

I have to agree with Don on this one! this is why I am no longer a marine tech at 55. An air ratchet and three elbows help alot. if the bolts that hold the dust cover on , and they always are, are too close to the starter bolts they have to be removed first. I, having done more than a few, would not hesitate to pull the engine . it sounds much more daunting than it really is and gives you the unique opportunity to examine those parts we never see and repair as needed. best luck Bill

After removing the outdrive,p/s lines,fuel lines,water inlet hose,motor mount nuts and bolts,positive wire from starter,and ground wire from bell housing stud, its very easy to lift an engine out.