Starter problem

[Avalonguest]

92 Bayliner Clasic w/3.0 Merc - lower starter bolt sheared off. Any way to fix without pulling engine as marina says?

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Starter problem

there is a way but... it requires a right agled drill and some carefull drilling. Mine did the same thing one year and it was a ***** to get it done. I had a small right angled drill that I could work into the space. I started with a real small carbide bit and gradually got bogger. I then used a bolt removal tool (it has reverse threads that bite while you twist out) i forget the name...anyway it took a few hours to do and it a cramped space too..

pulling the engine is the easiest way to get at it but then you have a bunch of other stuff you will want to do while the engine is off.. bellows, seals, etc...

it can be done but takes time and patience...wish it was easier

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: Starter problem

I got my 88' Capri with a 3.0 OMC back from the mechanic after pulling the motor and drive and having the transom replaced and his parting comment was "you need a new starter it sounds weird". So I bought a aftermarket starter and took it and the boat home...The next day I went out to get it ready to take back to the lake after being in the shop for 6 weeks and I was going to change the starter...

I figured 2 bolts and a 1/2 hour if that and it done...The "weird" sound was one bolt broken off and the starter not seated square to the flywheel...So I loosened the other bolt to take it out and it broke off also...So both bolts were broken off flush at the block...I drilled small holes and tried square easy outs...that didn't work...I drilled bigger holes that didn't work...I decided against using my torch to heat them up for obvious reasons...

Bottom line is 4 hours, 1 pint of blood, a tetanus shot, a divorce, 2 heli-coils, 2 grade 8 bolts, 86 dollars, and a partridge in a pear tree I have a new starter...

The best part of all is I got to keep my promise to the kids that we would go to the lake...So it is doable in the boat if you have the stones...

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Starter problem

Bottom line is 4 hours, 1 pint of blood, a tetanus shot, a divorce, 2 heli-coils, 2 grade 8 bolts, 86 dollars, and a partridge in a pear tree I have a new starter...:

Spoken like a true hard working AC guy... i used to be one..but i got smart!! hahaha

To your point, it can be done if you have 1 ounce of mechanical aptudude and a good drill...i guess the partridge in the pear tree cant hurt either...

but all jokes aside.. its not that bad if you don't mind giving the time, blood (cuz you will bleed one way or another)...and just go for it...heck the bolts are broken anyway!!...live a little!

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: Starter problem

I've done a lot of sucktastic things in my life but this was far and away the worst...