Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

[Ranger44]

Hello all,
I am new here to iboats, and have found the forums so helpful in the past, I couldn't help but join. I now find myself in need of a little help. I just recently purchased a 1972 IMP Santee with a 188HP Mercruiser Ford 302, and it won't start. It has not been run in a couple of years, and the guy I bought it from said the ignition coil and the starter were stolen while in storage. I purchased new ones, installed the new coil, but still cannot locate where the starter motor goes. I took a mirror to look under the block (because it's such a bear to get to from overhead) and I see what appears to be an old starter motor, as though it has not been stolen and may just be bad. Either way, I paid the big bucks for a new starter, and I am most definately going to use it, but I'm not 100% sure if what i'm looking at really is the starter, or something else that i can't make out through the mirror. Does anyone have a schematic of this engine, or can provide pics, or something to help me get a better understanding of what I'm looking at, and how to get at the starter motor to put the new one in.

Also, I am wanting to change the oil in it, but don't know what size filter to get. I just assume a normal Fram or Valvoline filter will do (because there is a fram filter on there now), I just wondered if anyone had the numbers for fram, valvoline, or any filter really, that might fit.

Lastly, any other advice about this particular boat, (or especially the engine), is GREATLY appriciated, weather it has anything to do with the starter or not. I'm new to IMPs and Mercruiser, so anything helps! Thanks!!

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

The starter is located on the left side down low and way back as on all Ford engines
oil filter is typical of V8 Fords motorcraft FL1 is a good one.
302 came into production around 1966 was used in cars trucks vans boats industrial and also High performance (big winner in trans-am circuit back in 69) Well proven engine.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

Do you mean it wont crank? No juice to the starter.

Or do you mean it cranks and wont start. The motor turns?

The first thing i would do is yank the drive. Has to come off anyway.

That might be frozen and wont let the motor turn.

Second thing i would do is change the oil.

Why start a motor with bad oil maybe with water in it and circulate bad oil in a motor.

Third thing i would do is make sure i have a good battery fully charged.

Fourth thing is check the cables, are they good.

I would follow the neg cable to the ground and take it off and clean it real real good.

Or if you are really serious about getting this boat on the water, and doing repairs that will last for years, i would pull the motor out.

I would check the alternator bye taking it to a shop and letting them test it.

I would check the oil pan real real good and timing cover.

I would check all the freeze plugs, make sure none popped.

See all the work will be for naught when you do, or if you get it started you have a big leak in the back of the motor.

Just easier to work on the motor on a pallet.

I would make sure all connections are good.

I would make sure the dizzy is set up right.

I would put new spark plugs. New wires.

I would check the timing belt chain or gears what ever it has in there.

Can you turn the motor bye hand?

See on a pallet you can try turning the motor with the flywheel.

Have to check the coupler anyway. Have to check the bilge area and stringers.

Have to check the inner transom plate.

Have to check the motor mounts.

Every single thing behind the motor must be checked.

You serious about wanting this boat " done right"

Pull the motor. Pull the spark plugs shoot the cylinders with pb blaster, let it sit shoot it again.

Look for it to be a whole winter project.

And we didn't even talk about the drive, gas tank and fuel system, yet.

Fuel pump, fuel water separator, filters, check valve.

Good luck

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

Do you mean it wont crank? No juice to the starter.

My guess is, that since he doesn't know where the starter goes, and the starter is missing, that it probably won't even crank over with the starter missing.
I sure hope you (original poster) bought a MARINE starter and not an automotive one. Serious safety (explosion/fire) issues with automotive fuel and electrical parts.

Before you do anything go to the link below and download the OEM service manual for your engine and outdrive. It's just over 1GB in size and may take several hours to download. Or if you can't download it, purchace a paper manual but make sure it's OEM, not Seloc or Clymers.

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/01/cover.pdf

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

but still cannot locate where the starter motor goes. I took a mirror to look under the block (because it's such a bear to get to from overhead)

Ayuh,...

You've probably gotta remove more of the Boat to gain reasonable access to get to the things that'll need Fixing....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

He said he saw the starter. I should have asked him if he bought a marine one.

And it took me a long time for that post. Ha.

Just trying to help a new guy.

Oh well.

 

[Ranger44]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

Thanks all for all of your help! I did make sure to buy a marine starter that matched the range of serial numbers that is my engine and everything. I'm certain that i have a correct replacement that won't cause any problems. I'm looking at that link that was posted and downloaded the manual, but i don't see any engine schematics. Granted, i havn't gone through all almost 1000 pages, but does anyone know where it might be in that manual, or have a link to another manual that might? Again, thanks for all your help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[IWELD]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

Thanks all for all of your help! I did make sure to buy a marine starter that matched the range of serial numbers that is my engine and everything. I'm certain that i have a correct replacement that won't cause any problems. I'm looking at that link that was posted and downloaded the manual, but i don't see any engine schematics. Granted, i havn't gone through all almost 1000 pages, but does anyone know where it might be in that manual, or have a link to another manual that might? Again, thanks for all your help, it is greatly appreciated!

Hey Ranger44, I've got the same engine in my garage awaiting for re-install. Take Chiefalans' advise and pull the engine if you need to do a lot of work on it. My Manual shows the starter on page 3A-22. There is no complete engine schematic in there i know of.
I'll drop in a couple pics of mine...hope it helps

 

[turborich]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

I had a boat with a 302 in it & the starter was pretty easy to reach. looking from the front of the engine it will be on the left side. You might need a long extension to get the bolt in the rear out. It's not that hard though. Make sure to disconnect your battery first.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Merc 188hp Ford 302 help!!

My sons Mountaineer, has a 5.0, starter went.

And with full access under the car well it's tight but open, was a byatch to replace.

Freekin starter is heavy and awkward.

Oh well, i know it's daunting if you never yanked a motor before, maybe you don't own a piece of property that will give you a tree to yank it up on?

Good luck