WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

[Way2cool]

After searching nearly all the 165HP L6 threads I'm convinced I'm screwed trying to get this starter out, but.. I take solace in knowing I'm not alone..

So.. one thing that's not real apparent to me when 'feeling' around for my starter mount bolts, are they metric or inch?

I began with a 9/16" 16p socket.. it seems loose but the 8pt sockets' wall is to thick to fit around the bolt head.. the rear cover is in the way.. so I toyed with the 14mm 16p socket.. it fits a bit tighter but wont get a full bite.. without a full bite I wont even try to turn it.. I don't need rounded bolt heads. This boat's new to me so I have no clue what those bolts look like, what condition, etc.

Maybe I should sacrifice an 8pt socket and mill it thinner to fit ?? Any suggestions .. tips n' tricks.. etc

I'm beginning to think pulling the engine would be faster but I'm not sure all that's involved there..

 

[Bondo]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

After searching nearly all the 165HP L6 threads I'm convinced I'm screwed trying to get this starter out, but.. I take solace in knowing I'm not alone..

So.. one thing that's not real apparent to me when 'feeling' around for my starter mount bolts, are they metric or inch?

I began with a 9/16" 16p socket.. it seems loose but the 8pt sockets' wall is to thick to fit around the bolt head.. the rear cover is in the way.. so I toyed with the 14mm 16p socket.. it fits a bit tighter but wont get a full bite.. without a full bite I wont even try to turn it.. I don't need rounded bolt heads. This boat's new to me so I have no clue what those bolts look like, what condition, etc.

Maybe I should sacrifice an 8pt socket and mill it thinner to fit ?? Any suggestions .. tips n' tricks.. etc

I'm beginning to think pulling the engine would be faster but I'm not sure all that's involved there..

Ayuh,... It's a 3/8" bolt, so the head is 9/16",...

Donno 'bout yer toolbox, but Mine's fulla 6pt sockets, 'n 12pt sockets,...

8pt sockets are only used on square nuts,...

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

It may be just your brand of socket. I have seen some Craftsman out of spec and loose. Snap-on would be good, plus offer special "Thin Wall" sockets.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

On my 3.0 liter it's not the flywheel cover that gets in the way it's one of the bolt heads for the cover.
I find if I remove the one bolt it makes it easier.
Not sure if yours is the same.
Also, a strap around the engine and starter to support the starter makes removal and installing easier.

 

[Way2cool]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

All good advice thanks!! I think I'll go ahead and remove that flywheel cover bolt too, and try another "SIX PT" socket brand. Wish I knew where to get Snap On in my area.. maybe chasing down one of their trucks.

That strap idea is genius.. cant imagine holding that beast up and threading a bolt too.

Thanks guys..

 

[Bondo]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

All good advice thanks!! I think I'll go ahead and remove that flywheel cover bolt too, and try another "SIX PT" socket brand. Wish I knew where to get Snap On in my area.. maybe chasing down one of their trucks.

That strap idea is genius.. cant imagine holding that beast up and threading a bolt too.

Thanks guys..

Ayuh,... Go to a permanent magnet motor starter,... They weight 'bout 1/2 of yer original,...

 

[Will Fish]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

Are you sure you are in the right bolts there are 2 bolts, 1 being longer than the other. I never recall any issues getting a deep socket on the bolts. Only problem is that damn starter weighes a ton and getting my arms to reach them. 6pt deep sockets should work fine. Also it helps to have a second set if hands. Put a wire or strap around starter and have a friend hold it up. It will help greatly in taking the weight off.

 

[Way2cool]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

Are you sure you are in the right bolts there are 2 bolts, 1 being longer than the other. I never recall any issues getting a deep socket on the bolts. Only problem is that damn starter weighes a ton and getting my arms to reach them. 6pt deep sockets should work fine. Also it helps to have a second set if hands. Put a wire or strap around starter and have a friend hold it up. It will help greatly in taking the weight off.

Hello Will.. thanks for your input.. I'm relatively sure based on you guys descriptions and what I'm feeling with my fingertips.. I do 'feel' only three bolt heads, two drilling upward and the one toward aft. The way its situated and my current state of vision deterioration theres no way mirrors will help, its all touchy feelie..

Im about to go out there again, it was suggested to remove the outdrive first and try the engine spin in that condition... apparently my description of the issues leads someone to believe the outdrive 'might' be binding... and thats cool, it has some problems too.

 

[ziggy]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

The way its situated and my current state of vision deterioration theres no way mirrors will help, its all touchy feelie..

try your digital camera out. put it down there and take some random pics till ya get a view of what yer wanting to see.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

If you're the person with the piece stuck in your flywheel. What about hiring a wrecker to lift out the motor and then dropping it back in?
If you do it on his time plan you might get a good price. Or if you have a garage or a strong tree you could get a chain fall to pick up the motor yourself. I found one on Amazon for $40 and then got a Harborfreight motor stand for $50. Now I can take out my motor when I need to. I know they are basic (junky) stuff, but they work.

 

[Way2cool]

Re: WOW There's alot of 165HP L6 Starter Motor Threads!!

Hello NH Guy,.. I'm not that guy with a piece of something stuck .. sounds like fun though

If you're the person with the piece stuck in your flywheel.

Ok. so I did pull the outdrive first (wow whatta mess) and then tried to crank the starter again.. notta, just the big 'clank' when the solenoid throws out... also tried bypassing the solenoid to just spin the starter's motor.. big 'ol spark only, no spin.

So, < this was fun > taking all your advice.. I got a new thin wall deep well 6pt socket set, got out a strap to hold the starter up, removed the flywheel bolt.. the only way to reach the two 9/16" bolt heads was with an air ratchet.. whoop, whoooop.. whooooooop.. got that sucka outta there

So.. threw it on the workbench and removed the solenoid.. just for fun hit it again with the cables.. and WHAT !! it's spinning now.. Ok.. maybe that's a good sign. So I ripped torn it down.. cleaned everything.. polished and re-grooved the commutator, brushes looked good enough so left those alone, lubed all the lube points and put it back together.. Verrooooom.. it's 100 times stronger on the bench now.. drawing around 70 amps and spinning well.

Then I put it back on the engine, removed all the cables.. cleaned and re-connected everything.. the spark plugs are still out so I gave it a shot... hooray!! the Engine is turning now

It's not turning too fast... fast enough I suppose... I can get spark from the plug wires with the coil connected,,,, now I just need to add some fuel to see if it fires.. that would be sweet

Here's some of the ugly photos:
ImageShack Album - 11 images