Starter Question

[redfalcon]

Hi. I just bought a Crownline 1994 Bow Rider 19'6" with a Mercruiser 4.3LX engine. I don't know anything about mechanical stuff so please bear with me. When I bought the boat the owner told me that one of the bolt that holds the starter to the engine broke inside and that was the only issue. I was able to remove the bolt and put a new one but sound like the starter slips. When we pressed the starter harder against the engine still slipping but not as bad. I was told to replace the starter. Question is should I order it online? what kind of starter should I use? Thanks in advance for the help on this issue and keep tuned in since I am doing the reupholstery and may be the floor too.....Oh boy! What mess did I get myself into?

 

[Bondo]

Hi. I just bought a Crownline 1994 Bow Rider 19'6" with a Mercruiser 4.3LX engine. I don't know anything about mechanical stuff so please bear with me. When I bought the boat the owner told me that one of the bolt that holds the starter to the engine broke inside and that was the only issue. I was able to remove the bolt and put a new one but sound like the starter slips. When we pressed the starter harder against the engine still slipping but not as bad. I was told to replace the starter. Question is should I order it online? what kind of starter should I use? Thanks in advance for the help on this issue and keep tuned in since I am doing the reupholstery and may be the floor too.....Oh boy! What mess did I get myself into?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Ya got the broken piece of bolt out,..??

Ya gotta pull the starter, 'n inspect it's gear to see if it's torn up,....
Ya also gotta inspect the ring gear on the flywheel, as it to, could be the problem,.....

 

[redfalcon]

Thanks Bondo. Yes, I was able to get the broken piece out. The gear in the starter looks ok and the flywheel looks good too.

 

[Bondo]

When we pressed the starter harder against the engine still slipping but not as bad. I was told to replace the starter. Question is should I order it online? what kind of starter should I use?

Ayuh,.... If the starter is makin' noise, 'n not turnin' the motor, there should be signs of that,....

Ya say there's No damage on the starter gear, Nor on the ring gear,..??

For orderin' a starter,...
Click on the Boat Parts & Accessories button at the top of the page,...
Then the Boat Motor Parts link on the port-side of the page,...
Then the Sterndrive Engine Parts link,...
Then the Mercruiser link,...
Then the Electrical link,...
Finally, the Starters link,...

In there, use yer serial number to Id which one,...
Or, call iboats customer service hotline,....

 

[gm280]

Were there any shims installed with the starter? I've heard (but never actually deal with it personally) that some times shims are used to adjust the starter to mate with the flywheel teeth better. You could ask around at a local marina and see what they think... Just a thought.

 

[Fishermark]

... I was able to remove the bolt and put a new one but sound like the starter slips. When we pressed the starter harder against the engine still slipping but not as bad. I was told to replace the starter. ...

When you replaced the bolt, did you replace it with a bolt designed specifically for a starter? They have a knurled finish that helps keep the slop out of the starter. If you simply put in a new bolt, that could be part of your problem. Pressing on the starter after it has been installed should not affect it at all.

 

[sub2010ss]

I ordered a new high torque starter off of ebay for $50-60. it came with new bolts and shims if needed and works great!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130587673522?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[redfalcon]

I ordered, received and installed a new starter. Now the problem is different. I tried to upload a video but I guess videos are not allowed. The engine spins but it does not start. Thanks in advance for the further and previous replies.

 

[sub2010ss]

Best way to do videos is a hosting site. I use ohotobucket. Load your pics and video there then link them here. As far as spinning and not starting. You'll have to determine if you have spark and fuel. Idiot check I have to constantly make is to ensure the kill switch is on. Mine fires and dies instantly with it off.

 

[achris]

... When I bought the boat the owner told me that one of the bolt that holds the starter to the engine broke inside and that was the only issue....

The main reason (about 99%) for a broken starter bolt is a hydro-lock. "That's the only issue" Yeah, right! Water in the cylinder(s) will not compress, once the piston reaches that water it WILL stop. The weakest part in the system are the starter motor mounting bolts. They break. You need to find out WHY the bolt broke, or more to the point, where the water's getting in.... If you don't, it WILL happen again....

Chris........