help with started removal

[deves3000gt]

Hello, I am new to boating and this site. I have recently purchaced a 1978 slickcraft with a 350 gm motor. I am trying to remove the started to replace it. Now i know it is not the most entailed project but the problem i am haveing is getting to the bolt on the far underside of the starter. I can feel the bolt, get my ratchet to the bolt but can not get the socket over the bolt b/c of what seems to be a tin plate in front of the starter. I tried tacking the 2 small bolts off but the plate will not move. I really dont want to have to pay a shop to do this. Am i missing something or what? ANY advice you could give is GREATLY appreciated. Sorry this got so long.

steve

 

[chiefalen]

Re: help with started removal

You mean the flywheel cover is in the way.

You can't get a flat on it ?

 

[Don S]

Re: help with started removal

You need a thin wall 9/16" socket, prreferably a 6 point. And you may have to tap it on the bolt head. Seems that the GM engineers didn't leave room for sockets. The NEW OEM bolts that you should install with a new starter have 1/2" heads that allows room for the socket.

 

[Don S]

Re: help with started removal

You mean the flywheel cover is in the way?

Had you had the problem you would know the steel cover in front of and at the bottom of the flywheel is always in the way.

Did you remove the starter ?

If he did, he wouldn't have posted the question.

You can't get a flat on it ?

What's a flat?

 

[Bondo]

Re: help with started removal

I tried tacking the 2 small bolts off but the plate will not move.

Ayuh,.... I think there's 7 bolts holding the plate,.. Maybe 5...

Use a thinwall 9/16" socket, Beat it on,+ use a 3" extension to keep the racket away from the bolt,..
Gives a slightly better angle sometimes...

For what it's worth,...
I just cut that little finger right Off that dustshield whenever I have it out...
Whata Pain in the Azz....

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

You mean the flywheel cover is in the way.

You can't get a flat on it ?

Yeah I guess that is what that cover would be. A mechanic told be that there should be 3 bolts holding on but the onr on the bottom would be rusted off... i found 2 one on top one on bottom they are very clean motor only has 155hr on it. i also tried a boxend wrench but b/c the way the starter is shaped even the opened end wont get on there enough to hold without striping.

I will go looking for a thin walled socket tomorrow.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: help with started removal

Thats why i went back and edited it cause i reread it after i posted he wanted to remove it.

Flat wrench.

The last 2 i did we had to do it when dangling off a chain hoist cause we couldn't get a arm in.

We made a thin wall socket out of a craftsman socket, and i used to get called over to peoples boat to use it, and i still have it, comes in handy for small engines where there is no room for a full thickness socket.

And yes i knew it was the flywheel cover, and if he said yes, i would have said to yank the other 5 screws and the bolt with the ground on it makes seven total.

And we also cut the round piece off the ear so it wouldn't hang up the next time we had to mess around with it.

Typing with 2 fingers is a byatch, how Don types so fast is amazing.

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

The last 2 i did we had to do it when dangling off a chain hoist cause we couldn't get a arm in.

.

well that is not going to happen. that would turn this job into a 30 hr job. and that just take out the motor. the boat is a slickcraft sx 176 with that big couch like thing for a hood. I do have a hard time getting down there but i found if i contort myself just right i can do it with little damange to myself i think i will be able to get this thing off as soon as i get that socket on.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: help with started removal

Maybe a double u joint socket extender. Good luck, does seem you have to be part monkey and double jointed and like having your face pushed into the floor to work on boats.

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

Maybe a double u joint socket extender. Good luck, does seem you have to be part monkey and double jointed and like having your face pushed into the floor to work on boats.

LOL...this is my first boat and it does seem like my head will be kissing the floor alot in the days to come. I am going to look for a thin walled socket today, and the u joint extender dont sound like a bad idea.

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

Ok I got the starter off What I ended up doing was taping the socket on there with a short extention and a rachet with a swivel type head and it came right out

now my next question is, is there a differance between starters ? i can get a starter for it tomorrow if there is no differance or special marine type needed.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: help with started removal

It HAS TO BE A MARINE RATED starter, keeps you from going "BOOOOOOM" and the correct rotation.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: help with started removal

Do a search, use the toolbar hit search, type AUTO VS MARINE and hit find, show threads..

Lots of info from those before you, heck, my frst post here was that I put an automotive starter on just to test my motor...I didnt know better either

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

It HAS TO BE A MARINE RATED starter, keeps you from going "BOOOOOOM" and the correct rotation.

yeah i figured so also. the BOOOOOM was what is was trying to avoid. lol i am not sure how to identify the motor all i know is what i was told from the PO that it is a 350 corvette motor. I cant check witch way the starter turns seeing as how that is the problem in the frist place...idk i'm off to the search forum.

 

[legoman67]

Re: help with started removal

your best bet is to find the serial number on the engine and give it to us, but odds are it is a standard(LH) rotation engine, also you want an inline starter, not offset. Just make sure it is marine.

better yet, take your old one with you and compare, or just tell someone you need a replacement, depending on where you go they should be able to help you get the right one.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: help with started removal

DBelectrical.com on e-bay has the best prices. Or his website. Can't count how many starters and alternators i bought from him.

Send him a email or go to the site and order one,comes with new bolts.

And of course buy marine. Paint the hell out of it before installing, 3-4 coats.

Good luck!

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

Ok so i have been looking online looking at starters for the boat...marine ones...I have found a few but the only thing is they all seem to have a 4 point solinod on them and the one i took off my motor has a 2 point one large one small. i havent gotten a chance to get the serial # off the motor today but are the 4 point and 2 point starters compatable.

ps sorry for so many ?'s but you guys are great

 

[alldodge]

Re: help with started removal

Ok so i have been looking online looking at starters for the boat...marine ones...I have found a few but the only thing is they all seem to have a 4 point solinod on them and the one i took off my motor has a 2 point one large one small. i havent gotten a chance to get the serial # off the motor today but are the 4 point and 2 point starters compatable.

ps sorry for so many ?'s but you guys are great

Your looking for the standard late model starter, there is a bunch of them. I ordered one from FLEBAY for a just incase for my 8.2L. I decided to install it last fall before winter up and noticed it was for a small block Chevy. Oh well that's waht I get for waiting.

 

[Don S]

Re: help with started removal

It's a 30 year old boat, probably had the wrong starter put in years ago, or recently, who knows. Being a 78 with unknown type of distributor, you may need that 4th post for starting power to the coil. Newer engines use the 4th post for activating the fuel pump.

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: help with started removal

So I have spent the last few days tracking down and starter for the boat. I got some prices of about $189 pluse tax. So i took the great advice i found here on the board and called DB Electrical. $54.95 pluse $12 shiping And yes it is marine. Thankyou soooooo much b/c without this site i would have returned the boat and been very sad so thankyou all and lok foward to many more post.

steve