'86 110hp Johnson Starter Bolt Sizes.

[realboats]

Hi. My 1986 Johnson 110hp (at least that's what I think it is) had starter problems yesterday. It wouldn't engage the flywheel. Turns out the top bolt on the two-bolt bracket is stripped, the bottom bolt on the same bracket backed out, and the bolt on the tang-like bracket towards the front of the motor is missing completely. A "professional" mechanic worked on this engine last fall and did more harm than good I'm afraid.I can handle fixing the loose and stripped bolts ok. What I'm not sure of is how to stop the bolts from backing out again. There were no lock washers on them. Would just lock washers and/or RTV thread sealent prevent the bolts from loosening or should I go with something like loctite? Is OMC gasket sealent tenacious enough to hold the bolts in place?The really puzzling part of this whole mess is the bolt on the front mount. The hole behind the mount is only about a half inch deep. Not sure what size bolt it takes, but a 5/16 won't thread into it. I need to remove the VRO pump to get a closer look at it. Anybody know the size and length of this bolt?Finally, I went to the Johnson dealer today and the lady in the parts department said the starter uses METRIC bolts???? What's up with that? I assume the different brands of starters use the same mounts?Sure would appreciate some advice. I missed a great day out on the water because of this. Thanks

[rodbolt]

hello the thread size is 5/16th 18. I have not seen any metric fasteners on OMC's that old. you can heli-coil the threads in the block. buy the bolts and lockwashers from the dealer to insure proper size and strentgh. use loc-tite 671 on the threads. good luck and keep posting

[realboats]

Thanks Rodbolt. I put a helicoil in the top of the two-bolt bracket and it took a 5/16 bolt no problem. So that, along with tightening the lower bolt on the same bracket held the starter well enough to get the engine going. The bolt towards the front of the starter is still a mystery, though. Very shallow hole, and no treads that I can see. The manifold is bolted there with a clearence hole through it for the starter bolt, but then not much at all past it. I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps someone snapped a bolt off in that hole in the past? Guess it will have to wait until the end of the season to find out.BY THE WAY - Quick general question: Is there any way to check the gear box oil or top it off while the boat is in the water? I have a feeling there isn't, but perhaps you can at least check it with the engine tilted up?

[rodbolt]

nope. no way to check it in the water. gearcase must be level to check. checking when tilted wont work. good luck and keep posting