Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

[carpenterken]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to remove a starter off of a Mercruiser 260 with out removing the motor? i have removed the exhaust manifold and other items but can only get to one bolt...not even sure if this is the correct bolt! I can't seem to locate yet alone get my hand around the starter. its tight to the oil pan also. Has anyone had any luck? can i undo the 2 main bolts on the front of the engine and jack it up a couple of inches? please help.

thanks everyone.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

The motor can be raised slightly AFTER the drive has been removed.
2 mounting bolts are a staggered pattern

 

[jtybt]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

Yeah, Staggered pattern is 14" flywheel and straight pattern is 12" flywheel.

Merc makes a started bolt specifically for the inner bolt ...it has a 1" long head for easier locating and removing. I think Merc is the only one who makes it. I've been saving them for years, now.

Suggest you replace the starter with the permanent magnet type starter which weighs maybe 1/4 of the old style.


Hey Doc...I'm a noobie here.

 

[Lubeboy]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

If this is Merc 260 GM V-8, 1987 ish?

If so, you can see one vertical bolt real easy, the other is vertical about 1" inch toward front of boat on other side of starter, just feel for it. Then there is the small rear bolt. If similar year, very easy to drop out.

 

[carpenterken]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

Thank you very much.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

this may help

 

[Osprey55]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

Did you get the starter out? I have a 1983 260 and I broke the solenoid cap by overtightening the cable connection about 15 minutes ago.
I can't get my hand under there either. thx.

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260? or 4.3L?

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260? or 4.3L?

this may help

This photo shows what the starter looks like on my 1987 Cobalt with 4.3L Mercruiser on which I am replacing the starter. The bolts are really tight. I used an 18 inch long breaker bar to loosen the one of the right - with a lot of force. Fortunately, I didn't snap the bolt. I can't get a socket around the one of the left in the picture because of the slim clearance with the mounting plate. (Nice design!) I tried using an open end wrench leveraging it with a breaker bar using the motor mount as a fulcrum and I still couldn't generate enough torque to break it loose. Tried forcing a socket onto the bolt head with a hammer - no luck. It's hard to get WD40 to flow uphill. Anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions? Did someone say Mercury has a special tool for this? I'm not sure I could get this out even if I pull the engine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260? or 4.3L?

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260? or 4.3L?

Ayuh,... Use a Thin-walled socket,.. Or grind your's down abit...

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

I ground down the socket and removed the bolt easily Thanks.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

wd 40 not the best to use anyways try pb blaster.

 

[DucTrip9]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

I am on my way out to the marina to replace (2) starters in my 83 Sea Ray 270 twin 260's this weekend. Does any one know the size thinwall sockets required? Any other special tools. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter Removal on a Merc 260?

I am on my way out to the marina to replace (2) starters in my 83 Sea Ray 270 twin 260's this weekend. Does any one know the size thinwall sockets required? Any other special tools. Thanks.

Ayuh,... 9/16ths"....

With Twins, ya might have to pull a motor to get to the inside starter.....