1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

S

Saxman

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I am about to finish my first year of owning this boat and my boat repairman says that I need a new starter. Mine has been acting a bit sluggish

He wants a ton of money, but since I build my own cars, I imagine I can tackle this one myself. The search feature didn't get me what I was after here.

I need to find out what starter this 5.7 uses and where the best place to buy one is. It sounds like I will need an exhaust gasket since they said I have to pull the manifold to get to the starter.

I just want to make sure I have the parts I need before I start tearing things apart. I can't see didly down there, so if anyone has instructions or pics of a starter install, I'd appreciate it.

I may be being overcautious since it might be close to my small block Chevy setup in my project car, but I don't want to screw anything up.

I'm ready to get out on the water, but I don't want to be stranded with three kids!

Thanks in advance!
 
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krisnowicki

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

get a gear reduced one you will be thankful
 
JustJason

JustJason

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

check the cables with a DMM before you touch the starter!!
 
Bt Doctur

Bt Doctur

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Could use 1 piece header gaskets for a GM 350.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Are you talking about checking the wires to make sure they are good?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,......

Anytime there's a Starter with a Bad Attitude,.......
The Wires,+ their Connections are the 1st Place to Look......

Pull, Sand, Clean,+ Reinstall, Both ends of Both Battery wires,..... Positive,+ the Ground,.. Both Ends.....

Also look for Nicks along the vinyl covering,... A Water Leak will rot the wire from within,...
Sometimes passing Voltage, but no Amperage.....
 
S

Saxman

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Thanks! I'll do that.

I have the feeling that I do need a starter since the repair shop suggested it, but I will check the wires/cables first to be absolutely sure.

Thanks again!
 
erikgreen

erikgreen

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Also be warned that sometimes boat starters are very hard to replace without pulling the entire motor - I'd have a very hard time doing mine without doing that. Be prepared for some gymnastics.

I usually recommend ebasicpower for marine gaskets, you can look up the one you need by engine. They will also have starters, although as others have said a geared starter rather than the original model might work better. About the only thing to watch out for is A)Get a marine starter and B) match the bolt pattern of your old one.

Erik

Edit: This is an example of the starter mine would use... yours probably has the staggered bolt pattern?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...023QQitemZ360042259964QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
 
S

Saxman

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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Thanks, Erik. Since the repair shop planned to charge me for taking off the manifold, I'll assume the engine doesn't have to be raised. That would be a bummer!

If the wiring is fine, I'll go ahead and take mine out before I buy a new one to be sure I have the right one.

BTW, my symptoms are that sometimes the started is sluggish. I may crank like new sometimes, but other times it only turns once per second. I gotta get out there and check those wires!

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it!
 
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Lucky Penny

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May 3, 2003
Messages
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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

I would really listen to Bond-o

I have a 1977 350 and believe me you will learn that your body and fit into places you never suspected. Follow the KISS method. Start with the wire's Also check the ign wire coming from the switch. Make sure you are getting the right volts and amps to the seliod.
Also remember that mech's are out to earn a living, and changing a starter is a good weeks pay for me. Lastly, if you don't mind laying in the bildge along side the engine, it is not necessary to bull the manifold.
As for buying a new starter for a 350, find a rewire shop. They can do the job for about $100.00 and it will meet USCG spec's

Good luck
 
S

Saxman

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Apr 2, 2007
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Re: 1989 5.7 Mercruiser (Raven) Starter Replacement?

Thanks. I've heard that it is sometimes better to just take your starter in for a rebuild so you aren't buying someone else's problems/abuse.

I appreciate the help!
 
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