Converting 260MIE RH to LH.

[achris]

Hello all,

Have a little job coming up for a friend. Pulling 2x 1984 260MIE out of a boat and rebuilding them. As was the want of the day, the port engine is LH, the stbd is RH. No big deal, yet...

We want to stroke them to 383s, and finding a reverse rotation stroker kit is like ... The crankshaft has different oil passage drillings.. The crank seals (front and rear) are different.
So, we need to look at converting the RH engine to LH. The kit takes care of the crank and pistons, seal and rods. I've checked and the blocks are the same, we'll need a new camshaft (and timing set), and the 71C is going to need to be converted, or replaced. The hoses swap over on the seawater pump, the alternator and engine circ pump are bi-directional, and that should just about be it.. But there is one other item.

What I can't find out is if the starter motor can be converted. Is it just a brush wiring change (makes it simple to do) or are the field windings different? Please don't just say 'buy a starter from xyz (your favourite shop)'... We're in Australia, we just don't have access to the sorts of shops you do (any more)... I need hands on advice, not sales advice.

TIA

Chris........

 

[Fun Times]

Thinking maybe for a starting point, have a look at all the duplicated beginning item reference numbers that also suggests what way they turn such as numbers 6, 11, 15, 18 also hold the cursor arrow over the notes especially over the Ref # - 50-97499A2 STARTER MOTOR ASSEMBLY, R.H. ROTATION 79604A3 SS/NLA as it has a big list of included parts..., https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31576/906/10

STARTER AND ALTERNATOR

STARTER AND ALTERNATOR

www.mercruiserparts.com

260 MIE GM 350 V-8 1981-1986 - 5907058 THRU 0B522505

260 MIE GM 350 V-8 1981-1986 - 5907058 THRU 0B522505

www.mercruiserparts.com

Now for the sales pitch Search the part number and see what comes up in your area.

 

[achris]

Thanks FT.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you are replacing the transmissions, then you dont need to worry about the motor being RH

then you build two straight-up LH motors

If you do want to convert the crank to RH, increase the pressure on the oil pump and change the knurling on the crank

if you want to get a starter shipped to Perth, i have shipped parts to Sidney. UPS does ship there, it was an extra $50

you can get the starter shipped from anywhere here in the US, and they will ship to Australia or Scotland.

If you need two matching transmissions, I may know where a set of take-out transmissions are.

 

[achris]

if you are replacing the transmissions, then you dont need to worry about the motor

???? Yes I do, I need to make it LH... (will only be modifying/replacing one tranny)..

 

[Scott Danforth]

I will add, certain parts companies can ship from South Dakota to Scotland in less time than it takes to get to Florida.

 

[achris]

I will add, certain parts companies can ship from South Dakota to Scotland in less time than it takes to get to Florida.

I once has an item I ordered from London (to Perth, WA.) arrive in 5 days!!!!

 

[Bt Doctur]

To convert, you need a crankshaft cam shaft, and LH seals. Trans is reversed by relocating the front pump

 

[Scott Danforth]

Chris, guessing these are 2-piece RMS blocks

 

[achris]

Chris, guessing these are 2-piece RMS blocks

Correct.

 

[nola mike]

So you just need a standard LH SBC starter, right? Are those hard to find used there (and rebuild) or am I missing something?

???? Yes I do, I need to make it LH... (will only be modifying/replacing one tranny)..

Only because you can't get RH stroker parts, right?

 

[achris]

So you just need a standard LH SBC starter, right? Are those hard to find used there (and rebuild) or am I missing something?

We don't have those engines in cars here.

Only because you can't get RH stroker parts, right?

Right.

 

[kenny nunez]

Chris, I realize most MIE engines have reverse entry starters, Is there room to use under engine starters? As you know the ring gear can be on either side of the flywheel. I will take a ride to the local rebuilder and ask him your question.

 

[Scott Danforth]

We don't have those engines in cars here.

Right.

Holden has a plant in Australia......

 

[achris]

Holden has a plant in Australia......

Had. Holden folded years ago.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Had. Holden folded years ago.

yes, however the GM Delco starters would still be there

 

[achris]

yes, however the GM Delco starters would still be there

But not a marine one.

 

[flashback]

If you reverse polarity on the brushes or the field I would think it would work. The bendix would be another matter.
I'm in way over my head but If these thoughts help you I'm good. Besides I'm curious and now I will get notifications..

 

[Rick Stephens]

I can't believe you can't figure out an efficient solution with both motors LH... Fun interesting project, but seems needlessly complicated and expensive rare parts.

 

[achris]

I can't believe you can't figure out an efficient solution with both motors LH... Fun interesting project, but seems needlessly complicated and expensive rare parts.

That's precisely what I'm trying to do, figure out an effective solution with both engines running LH... And 'expensive rare parts' is why I'm doing it.

Chris.