Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

[Trent54]

I've googled this one to death to no avail.<br /><br />I've got a 1984 Starcraft Islander 261 with a Mercruiser 185 inboard, which is a Chevy V6. <br /><br />The starter is on the left lower side of the motor as you are facing the back of the boat.<br /><br />The bottom of the motor is about 6-8 inches below the floor of the boat.<br /><br />I found one bolt that I could see by sticking my head down there, it's on the "front" of the starter as you face the back of the boat. Holds it to a clamp. Near that a screw holds a wire that goes into it. I felt all over the back of the thing and can't figure out what else is holding it on. There are three more bolts near the back that I'll have to damn near crawl under the engine to get to, but it seems like they are holding the engine together...they're on the very bottom of the back side of the engine.<br /><br />I'm really perplexed. Has anyone got pics or a hint as to where the bolts are that hold this thing on?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Trent

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

There should be two more bolts, that go up from the bottom, holding the starter on. That's *usually* the deal on chevy starters. Feel the bottom of the starter for twobolts, usually with 9/16" heads on them. they should be toward the flywheel but a little bit in front of it. <br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

And if it's anything like my V6, be prepared for scraped knuckles & frustration. Keep an adult beverage close by... you'll need it.<br /><br />I had to use a mirror and a trouble light to get mine out. There was no easy access to the bolts. On top of that, they were a little corroded. The whole job took about 5 hours. Due to space, you could only turn the bolts about 1/4 of a turn at a time.<br /><br />I cleaned up the threads with a wire brush and used a little anti-seize when re-installing.<br /><br />Good luck man!<br /><br />Keith

 

[Trent54]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

That mirror thing is a good idea. <br /><br />I'm a somewhat small guy 5'8 165 and I can squirm pretty far into the engine compartment. <br /><br />I hope I can find those bolts. You said they are on the bottom of the starter? Do you mean on the black cylinder or farther back? I squirmed under there last night and felt the whole thing up, but sure couldn't find any bolts. <br /><br />I guess I'll try the mirror thing tonight if I can't find out more.<br /><br />Thanks alot!<br /><br />Trent

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

They will be just to the back of the black cylinder section.

 

[Trent54]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Thanks Steve, I'm going to check it out with the mirror over lunch.<br /><br />Love your avatar by the way.<br /><br />Trent

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Thanks Trent!

 

[bomar76]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

If you purchase your replacement starter before hand, you can see where the bolts go.

 

[Trent54]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

I didn't get a chance to use the mirror but armed with pictures of starters from ebay, I found the 3 bolts I found before, on the back of the engine. <br /><br />It really seems like engine will come apart if I pull those 3 bolts. They are spanned about 10-12 inches apart between the farthest two in a downward crescent pattern on the back of the engine.<br /><br />Anyone know? I really don't want to damage my engine.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Wrong bolts! There is only two in a pattern like this: 0--0 <br /><br />They go straight up into the engine block, not from behind. They are located right behind the bendix. The bolt closest to you is short, about 1 1/2". The inner bolt is long... about 3".<br /><br />Look at this: Two Bolt Starter <br /><br />Maybe you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Look at the red arrows, that's where thebolts are...<br /><br />

<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: Image is copyrighted (minus the professionally rendered red arrow graphics) blah blah blah....

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Remove the bolt near the oil pan first, this is the one that causes the most problem to remove.<br />You may need someone to hold the socket on the bolt while you turn from the other side of the engine.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

A set of 5 degree ratchet wrenches might help here

 

[record hunter]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

It took me 3 hours to remove mine. I then cleaned up the heads of the bolts and apoxyed on socket to heads for easier removal next time . The one person had a good idea to keep an adult beverage close by.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Originally posted by Steve Huminski:<br /> DISCLAIMER: Image is copyrighted (minus the professionally rendered red arrow graphics) blah blah blah....

<br />Will take up a collection to make sure royalties are paid!

 

[1Moredrift]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

A swivel head rachet made replacing the starter on my mecruiser 5.7 a whole lot easier. The trouble is holding it while you remove the bolts so it doesn't drop into the bilge.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Been watching this post for awhile. <br />I pity you all. I can have my starter off in five mins with a 5/8” wrench. Epoxy sockets to the heads of bolt etc.... Wow..... Sometimes my old Chrysler small block Volvo combo has its advantages. Good luck!

 

[KaGee]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

Originally posted by f_inscreenname:<br /> Been watching this post for awhile. <br />I pity you all. I can have my starter off in five mins with a 5/8” wrench...

O Yea???? Show off!<br /><br />Better to be lucky than good!<br />LOL!

 

[hoot]

Re: Another Starter Question--How do I get this damn thing off?

i remove my bolts under the starter first then the nut holding it to the motor. this helps hold it in place. to reinstall, i put the side bracket on to hold it first, then install the bolts. my problem is not finding the bolts, but turning them. a 1/8 to 1/4 turn of a rachet isn't very much bolt movement. an air rachet would be good for this but not many home mechanics have one. and you are for sure going to drop something under the motor.