Removing Starter

[GaBoy]

Having trouble removing starter bolts on Mercruiser GM 350/260hp. This starter has 2 bolts. Can't get them to move at all. Anyone have a magic trick?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing Starter

A Longer Wrench.............
Or,....
Put a piece of Pipe onto the handle for More Leverage..........

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Removing Starter

If you haven't already...soak it good with penetrating oil, use product called "pipe break" ....take your time really let it soak in

 

[thrasher]

Re: Removing Starter

The Starter motor bolts are generally upside down, so it's unlikely that any penetrating oil is going to go up the threads into the threaded area. A longer wrench is usually the only choice (short of removing the engine from the boat).

Gary

 

[180shabah]

Re: Removing Starter

I'm gonna throw one more out here. The starter is upside down and you are looking at it from above. Make sure you are turning the right direction.

It happens, ask me how I know.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Removing Starter

Do tell, how do you know

Gary

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing Starter

Ayuh,........

I've been Wrenchin' for over 40 years,...........
And,......
I still hesitate,+ Think about it before I give it the Big Yank with they're Upside Down........

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Removing Starter

There is no room for any longer tools or pipes to apply more leverage. I put penetrating oil on a bolt yes that goes upward and was just hoping it would work. My gut feeling tells me I am going to have to pull the engine. I am going to try one more time today to bust them loose but there is no room to work with in the engine area. They are so rusted I may have to tap them out or drill them out or use some dynamite, I sure hope they bust loose.

 

[wire2]

Re: Removing Starter

I also have a 5.7 in a 19' so not a lot of room. I removed my exhaust header and battery, then could get a ?" ratchet with a piece of pipe in there fairly easily.

Or are you having a problem getting a socket on the bolts?

 

[1970 Chieftain V]

Re: Removing Starter

I'm gonna throw one more out here. The starter is upside down and you are looking at it from above. Make sure you are turning the right direction.

It happens, ask me how I know.

That's why I but ratchets with on & off marked on the direction lever!!!

Jason

 

[ss313]

Re: Removing Starter

A company called Kano Laboratories makes a product called Kroil. This stuff is amazing. You can actually watch it work its way up the threads of a bolt. I know a lot of people in the auto restoration industry that swear by it. You might want to look them up and give it a try.

Scott

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Removing Starter

I had the same problem getting the starter off our VP 350. What I did was buy one of those ratchets with an extending handle and tilting head.

Get a "crow foot" socket I think it's a 7/16th. or something like that.

I had to loosen one motor mount and jack that side of the engine up about a half inch. Once I got the crow foot on it and gave it a snap they loosened right up. Of course you have to do all this standing on your head in the bilge.

Good luck.

Rick

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Removing Starter

The Starter motor bolts are generally upside down, so it's unlikely that any penetrating oil is going to go up the threads into the threaded area. A longer wrench is usually the only choice (short of removing the engine from the boat).

Gary

Its penetrting oil, not gravity oil. Works horizontally pretty well. Not saying it is going to solve his problem...but multiple appications over a long time has worked pretty well in the past for me.....

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Removing Starter

I finally was able to get my body in the most contorted position to bust the nuts loose. And removing starter from under engine was a puzzle but it worked. I used PB Blaster and yes it runs uphill because I applied PB to the nuts and busted loose after 48 hrs. Yeh!!!! but I look like I been picking blackberries with both arms scratched beyond compare. There has got to be a better hose clamp instead of the typical ones with the hooks extended off, that is what cut my arms up. And putting back on is going to be an experience also. Plan on laying it on my forearm and start one bolt, hopefully.

How do ya'll feel about purchasing a reman marine starter or new. Same warranty but 50 dollars cheaper thru Napa.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Removing Starter

If it's really only $50 I would go for the new every time.
I used a reman as it was $177 versus $450 for a new mercruiser starter..

Reman are good, but there is always some wear on the mountings so they never fit as snugly as a new starter motor, but there is nothing wrong with a reman. When I think of the cost of my boat, $50 is negligable so I would take the new over reman everythime.

Gary

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Removing Starter

I probably should have bought the new one, but I can live and learn. My thoughts were that it will probably get wet again for some reason and there goes another starter. Since I bought this inboard everyone tells me that you will be changing starters and alternators regularly, it is just a way of life with Mercruisers GM 350's and inboards.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing Starter

everyone tells me that you will be changing starters and alternators regularly, it is just a way of life with Mercruisers GM 350's and inboards.

Ayuh,..................

Not unless it's in a Leaky Boat..................

 

[180shabah]

Re: Removing Starter

Agreed, there is no reason the starter should be wet.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Removing Starter

Ya'll are right there should be no water in the perfect world in the engine compartment. I have a very slow leak on the transom bracket but when the bilge pump does not work for whatever reason, then a slow leak turns into a mess. So, until I pull the engine and replace the bracket and fix the leak I am gambling.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Removing Starter

Good Luck, a piece of cardboard ought to fix that,,, with the words "For Sale" on it!