I have a 1991 4.3L Mercruuser which I've recently brought out of storage after 3 years. I had problems starting it and diagnosed a lazy starter. I purchased and fit a new starter but while attempting to start it then sheared off teeth from the flywheel ring gear. Engine has now been removed, a new ring gear was fitted to the flywheel and everything rebuilt. I am now attempting to bench start the engine before refitting to the boat. When turning over I've noticed the starter was moving and the starter gear disengaging from the flywheel gear. I checked and found the bolts had slightly bent maybe from when the flywheel gear teeth sheared. I replaced the bolts and refitted and have managed to start the engine a couple of times with no starter problems. However, the starter has started moving again and is occasionally disengaging from the flywheel gear again. I suspect the bolts have bent again. Does anyone have any ideas what is causing this??
I don't want to keep turning it over in case it damages the flywheel again or even worse I have seen on YouTube someone showing the block casting sheared off where the starter motor bolt thread is!!!
I don't want to keep turning it over in case it damages the flywheel again or even worse I have seen on YouTube someone showing the block casting sheared off where the starter motor bolt thread is!!!