4.3LX Starter problem

T

TLBPLB97702

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Joined
Sep 11, 2003
Messages
2
I have a 1995 4.3LX with a mercruiser outdrive with only 200 hrs on it. Last year the starter came loose, and broke a piece of the block off where the outer bolt whole is. I had the starter checked out and it was fine. there was enough thread left to torque the bolt and the inside hole was fine, so I put the starter back on. I checked it before each outing, and it seemed to remain tight. During our last outing, the starter began to sound bad with allot of gear meshing. I pulled the starter off. it was tight. There was wear on the bendix gear and some shavings in the cone. So, I am wondering if I have an alignment problem, or if the starter just took a dump ? <br />I had heard that I could change the nose cone to an early model GM 3 bolt that would help support, since the block is tapped for 3 holes. The store could only find one cone that would fit my motor, and it was also a 2 bolt. My starter is also a double gear reduction type, so an automotive type would not line up with the flywheel either. I just can't believe that the starter is moving.But if it is, is a new block the only way fix this mess ?
 
W

Wellcraft 89

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2002
Messages
158
Re: 4.3LX Starter problem

You might have destroyed the ring gear on the flywheel,now any starter you put in there will be binding and continue to get worse.<br />I would pull the engine and see if the block can be repaired and look at the flywheel for its problem.<br /><br />Do the job right and you'll be better off<br /><br />Rich
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,285
Re: 4.3LX Starter problem

There are NO 3 bolt chevy starters.....<br />There Are 2 different 2 bolt starters... That's why the block has 3 holes.... You'll have to change the Flywheel to use the Other starter...<br />1 pattern is for the 12" flywheel, the other pattern is for the 14" flywheel.....
 
T

TLBPLB97702

Recruit
Joined
Sep 11, 2003
Messages
2
Re: 4.3LX Starter problem

Thanks for the replys...The bottom line is that the outside hole is the one that is broke out, so can it be welded and tapped, or is a new block the only way to fix it ?
 
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