Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

[97proline2810]

I recently replaced the engine on a newly aquired boat, I bought the long block through a local business. It is rebuilt and runs well enough when started. The issue is when I turn it over. It makes a very loud noise, very similar to what it sounds like when you try and start a running engine. Watching the pullies, it definitely is not staying engaged with the flywheel. I removed the starter and replaced it, the problem actually got worse. I jumped the slave solenoid thinking maybe it was not keeping the connection to the starter solenoid, same noise. I removed the starter again and took a few pictures of the flywheel as I spun it over. There are shavings but no missing teeth....yet. I contacted the vendor of the engine to ask if the block was shaved before rebuilding and got "Duh, I don't know". My question is, will shimming the starter most likely take care of the lack of full engagement? I have never heard an engine that required the starter be shimmed before but it seems plausible. Can I get some thoughts from anyone who may know more about the condition? Thanks fellas

 

[cr2k]

Re: Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

shimming would be the first thing I would try.

 

[97proline2810]

Re: Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

tried several starting slim and working up, pullin the engine in the am, stay tuned. I'll post the findings for future frustrated boat owners like myself that have convinced themseleves that a boat is awesome. ha ha

 

[Gettinther]

Re: Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

I recently replaced the engine on a newly aquired boat, I bought the long block through a local business. It is rebuilt and runs well enough when started. The issue is when I turn it over. It makes a very loud noise, very similar to what it sounds like when you try and start a running engine. Watching the pullies, it definitely is not staying engaged with the flywheel. I removed the starter and replaced it, the problem actually got worse. I jumped the slave solenoid thinking maybe it was not keeping the connection to the starter solenoid, same noise. I removed the starter again and took a few pictures of the flywheel as I spun it over. There are shavings but no missing teeth....yet. I contacted the vendor of the engine to ask if the block was shaved before rebuilding and got "Duh, I don't know". My question is, will shimming the starter most likely take care of the lack of full engagement? I have never heard an engine that required the starter be shimmed before but it seems plausible. Can I get some thoughts from anyone who may know more about the condition? Thanks fellas

Actually in GM automotive it is common to shim starters, I believe something like 30 to 60 thousandths clearance is required between the teeth at full engagement

 

[pwpns]

Re: Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

Mine was making the same noise and I discovered that my starter bolts were actually loosening up on me. Shimming is necessary on some GM motors usually just use what came of the original engine would be a good start. I've always heard the end of a paper clip should be able go between the top edge of the starter tooth and the valley of the flywheel ring. Mine chewed up the flywheel ring so bad I had to replace mine. You might want to put some locktite on the starter bolts. Hope this helps you.

 

[97proline2810]

Re: Starter noise 1993 Merc 4.3 Alpha Gen II

So, I pulled the engine, checked it all out.....POS new starter. Bought another starter, put the engine back in, ran it...fishin in the am. The starter head where the shaft fits into it was loose, allowing the gear to pop off the flywheel. Thanks fellas