1970 40hp Carb Removal

[m1dn]

Just got my hands on 1970 40hp electramatic on a 14foot boat.
Boat hull is fine, going to clean interior and do some work on it.

Tried starting engine today, dies on automatic choke, carb definitely dead, engine stayed for 3 years.
Switching to choke off, manually runs it, but doesn't feel right so gotta clean carb.

Looking inside thought it looks like carb mounting bolts are behind starter and generator on each side, with no way to get by unless removing those 2.
Question: Has anyone had to remove it on similar engine? Do i really need to remove starter and generator or I'm missing something obvious?

 

[racerone]

I used to work on them back in the day.----Starter and generator come off fairly easy.

 

[m1dn]

I used to work on them back in the day.----Starter and generator come off fairly easy.

Thanks, that's encouraging!

 

[F_R]

Well,, personally I find it easiest to remove the flywheel, then the starter and generator are a piece of cake to get out of the way. Makes sense because the flywheel likely needs to come off anyway, for ignition work.

 

[boobie]

Edit......

 

[m1dn]

Well,, personally I find it easiest to remove the flywheel, then the starter and generator are a piece of cake to get out of the way. Makes sense because the flywheel likely needs to come off anyway, for ignition work.

Ignition works fine, not seeing any issues, don't have a puller either, I'll try avoiding that for now, thank you for the advice!

 

[F_R]

And the choke heat exchanger has no issues either?