is there a special tool for this

[Thumbtack]

omc, 5.7 litre. not sure year or anything but i don't think that will make a difference with the question.
I am trying to replace the starter but one of the bolts on the starter is so close to the inspection plate i can't get any tool on it. i can't take off the inspection plate without taking out the engine. i tried to make a socket skinnier with the grinder but it was too weak to turn the bolt without breaking the socket. so i'm just wondering if they have a tool made just for this, or if anyone knows any other tricks.
thanks in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: is there a special tool for this

No special tool, I have sometimes been able to pound a 9/16 socket on the head to remove it. I have SnapOn sockets and they are a little thinner. Then, get new bolts. I know the Volvo and Mercruiser bolts have a 1/2" head, but the aftermarket bolts still use 9/16" head.

 

[Thumbtack]

Re: is there a special tool for this

hey don, thanks for the reply. the head is a 9/16, i don't think i will have nearly enough room to get a swing in there but i'll have to try. maybe i'll try thinning out another socket too, the last one i think i thinned out too much and it broke. i'll take another look at it tomorrow. i don't understand why they make things like this, they know you are going to have to replace the starter at some point in time why would they make it so you cant get anything on the head of the bolt? oh well if i get it off and put another bolt in i'll try to get one with a 1/2 head if thats possible.

 

[arks]

Re: is there a special tool for this

I had the same problem with my 5.7 Crusader. After fooling with it for most of the day I was finally able to bend the inspection plate enough get a decent grip on the bolt with my needle nosed Vise-Grips. It wasn't fun, but I got it loose enough to turn by hand.
The REAL frustration came when that bolt wouldn't come all the way out because the transmission mount was in the way. AAARRRGGGG
I had to block up the tranny and unbolt one side of the mount to get the starter out.

And that, my friends, is why marine technicians cost so much!

 

[Don S]

Re: is there a special tool for this

One note there arks, he doesn't have a transmission, he has an outdrive, and you can't lift up the "Starter" side of the engine without first removing the outdrive. Otherwise, you could permanently damage the coupler which would take an engine pull and a $300 coupler replacement.

 

[Thumbtack]

Re: is there a special tool for this

haha thanks for the heads up. luckily there is nothing that close to underneath it, i shouldn't have to lift anything to get the bolt out (if i can get it loose). I think i can get a screwdriver tip between the bolt and the plate maybe i can bend the plate a touch.

 

[Bondo]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Ayuh,.....

Another Option,... Although Still not Easy, is to pull the 6 or 7 bolts,+ drop that shield out....
Then trim about an inch,+ 1/2 off it before you put it back on....

 

[PBKboater]

Re: is there a special tool for this

And or when you have starter off, replace bolts with socket head allen bolts. Allen wrenches are great for tight spaces (can use allen bit socket drives or regular allen wrench) Thats what I do in a situation such as this! My 2 cents worth! Never know when U have to replace starter again!

Paul

 

[bomar76]

Re: is there a special tool for this

And or when you have starter off, replace bolts with socket head allen bolts. Allen wrenches are great for tight spaces (can use allen bit socket drives or regular allen wrench) Thats what I do in a situation such as this! My 2 cents worth! Never know when U have to replace starter again!

Paul

Very bad idea.
You need to buy and use new starter bolts that have the knurling on them to avoid a world of other troubles.

 

[Don S]

Re: is there a special tool for this

And or when you have starter off, replace bolts with socket head allen bolts.

DO NOT do that.
Get the proper starter bolts. They have knurled sections in them to eliminate space between the bolt and the starter housing. With regular bolts you will end up with a broken starter nose, or damaged ring gear and/or bendix.

 

[Thumbtack]

Re: is there a special tool for this

thanks for the heads up on the starter bolts. if i can bend that plate a little i'll just put the old ones back in. i thought about removing the plate but can't do that without lifting engine due to room restrictions. i'll try to bend it and this way it will be out of the way for good

 

[Coors]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Take a grinder and make the 9/16 into a 1/2?

 

[JustJason]

Re: is there a special tool for this

whenever i can i weasle my cordless impact gun down into the bilge.... that way i can charge 2 hours for 15 minutes worth of work
Sounds sinister i know... but it's a pricey tool and doesn't pay for itself.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Sometimes the 12 point Snap on sockets are thinner walled.I have yet to break a Snap on tool...

 

[Coors]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Sometimes the 12 point Snap on sockets are thinner walled.I have yet to break a Snap on tool...

yep, the 6 points are for heavy duty, the 12's are thinner.
A craftsman is easier to get. Just make sure it says craftsman not sears-sears is poop.

 

[PBKboater]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Don S or Bomar76 please explain the stater bolt idea to me! I thought if a person got the same length and shoulder as the original bolt. I don't see what the defference would. Maybe something I'm not seeing!
Paul

Originally Posted by PBKboater
And or when you have starter off, replace bolts with socket head allen bolts.


Very bad idea. Bomar76
You need to buy and use new starter bolts that have the knurling on them to avoid a world of other troubles

DO NOT do that.
Get the proper starter bolts. They have knurled sections in them to eliminate space between the bolt and the starter housing. With regular bolts you will end up with a broken starter nose, or damaged ring gear and/or bendix.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: is there a special tool for this

It's really simple, starter bolts are special design, not standard bolts. Note the knurling just above the threads. This is to take up some of the extra space in the bolt hole of the starter for alignment with the flywheel.

 

[Coors]

Re: is there a special tool for this

Reel, good pic, saves explaining; you been out for a while.

 

[PBKboater]

Re: is there a special tool for this

OK thank you I got it yeah!!! I see said the blind man as he walked into the lake!
I apologize for my ignorance. Thanks for the explanation!

Paul

 

[Coors]

Re: is there a special tool for this

We just be here to help