4.3 MerCruiser Starter Problems

[Lordsandy]

Hello.
I replace the starter on a 4.3 MerCruiser. Part of the casting was broken off so I repaired with JB Weld and made a custom bracket to help support the starter as seen on some threads on this site. Now the starter is making a strange noise don’t know if it’s an alignment problem or is something else gone wrong? Any and all help greatly appreciated!

http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/3446/trim_A7DCE94D-DEFF-4383-8385-AE5189A6B2B0.MOV

 

[chs marine service]

casting on the starter or the engine?
the stasrter is defintely not engaginf the flywheel and do not continue ot try , you will damage the teeth of the ring gear and have to pull the motor to replace it. remove the starter and inspect the teeth on the ring gear, then you need to get the starter properly installed. if the JB weld ws used on the starter, get a new strter. if it was the block, well im afraid your going to need a new block

 

[Baylinerchuck]

casting on the starter or the engine?
the stasrter is defintely not engaginf the flywheel and do not continue ot try , you will damage the teeth of the ring gear and have to pull the motor to replace it. remove the starter and inspect the teeth on the ring gear, then you need to get the starter properly installed. if the JB weld ws used on the starter, get a new strter. if it was the block, well im afraid your going to need a new block

I agree, it definitely is a alignment issue. If that starter is not in perfect alignment it’ll rip the teeth off the ring gear. Step back and punt.

 

[Searay205]

if a starter makes noise why cranking the starter is toofar from the flywheel. Your case. If starter makes sound while engine is starting/running as you release key starter is too close too flywheel. I cant remember if it is jets or summit racing has an exceptional write up on starter install. Problem with a boat is not easy to see alignment with engine in boat vs a car where you can jack up and look at flywheel engagement. On flip side you may just have a bad solenoid (little round canister on top of starter) it what moves the stater gear inward to engage flywheel.. I would verify its good before shimming or removing material!!!

 

[Lordsandy]

Previous owner stripped one starter bolt in block casting. Looks like his fix was to grind off the top of the casting and put a nut on the bolt.
A small section of the block casting was broke off (pic-1) and I repaired carefully with JB weld (pic-2). I also made a support plate for the back the starter and through bolted to the flywheel housing.
My question is if you listen to the video in my first post does that whining noise sound like a bad starter or solenoid? Previously it would make a grinding noise which would make me think that was ian alignment issue?

 

[Lordsandy]

This is the custom support plate that I made and through bolted with threaded rod to the fly will housing.

 

[Lordsandy]

Any thoughts based on video and photos?
does it sound like the solenoid on the starter is gone?

 

[Searay205]

you can easily test the starter with a pair of jumper cables on your garage floor. find a you tube video. I cant even see where the starter is engaging the flywheel, some of the rust should be rubbed away on flywheel. Either your starter isn't working or you to far from flywheel. We are talking thousands of an inch not alot!!! If to far you will have to lightly grind the starter so it gets closer to flywheel. again youtube video, don't go after with a 4.5" grinder.

or take starter to autozone they will test for free.

 

[Lou C]

I use a spare battery I keep in the garage and a momentary switch (remote starter switch) to test starters. Be careful
because the torque reaction will cause it to jump a bit as it cranks. The previous owner created quite problem for you there. I don't think that can be fixed without replacing the block. I don't get it, I've replaced starters on my old engine like 3 times over the years and never had a problem with getting the bolts in, ever. Yes its a tight spot and you will be sore when you get done, but really? Small block Chevy starters have been like this since the beginning. In car its easier you just attack it from below, in a boat it is tougher because boat builders don't give a crap about mechanics. But you gotta find a way!

 

[chs marine service]

there are hundreds of posts on the internet about the casting on the gm v6 & v8 engines breaking off, it is not uncommon. i have an engine in my garage right now that looks identical to the this. i have a machine shop who can weld cast iron and if i ever get a moment, i will get it over to him. that is the only other option unless you change out the engine. DO NOT take grinder to the new starter. you will be buying a new starter. the bolts need to be properly installed and TORQUED to spec, if not, they will cause the starter to fail/fall and crack the cast iron engine block. i have come across many engines with broken starter bolts, if your lucky, that is all you will have. buying a new block due to a crack is a tough pill to swallow