Dumb Question of the Day - Starter Removal

[SGaynor]

I feel like I should have my shade-tree mechanics license pulled and all my tools taken away...

I'm trying to remove the starter from my 1991 Bayliner Capri with a 3.0 Mercruiser.

I've got all the bolts out, it wiggles and is loose, my problem is just getting it out. It moves about 1/8" forward/back and a good 1" side to side, but not enough for me to get it out of the flywheel housing.

At the back of the starter that long bolt goes through the bracket, I can't get the bracket out without removing the fuel pump (see pictures). The front's movement is limited by a dust shield that I can't remove (I got 3 out 4 bolts - can't reach the 4th).

Am I missing some simple trick to get it out, or do I have to bite the bullet and remove the fuel pump to remove the rear bracket?

 

[Bt Doctur]

On some of the 4 cyl`s the fuel pump did have to get removed first

 

[Alumarine]

It helps when reinstalling to put a strap around the block and starter to hold it in place while you fiddle around trying to get the bolts started while all contorted..

 

[SGaynor]

On some of the 4 cyl`s the fuel pump did have to get removed first

Ugh...That's what I thought. Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

on some boats you have to pull the motor to get the starter out.

 

[SGaynor]

No Title

OK, easier than I thought - just loosened the fuel pump. Got the starter out. The new one is much smaller than the original. Is that right? It looks like everything will match up, but the back bracket. Is that really needed?

 

[kenny nunez]

If you have to swap out the starter for a rebuilt pay attention to the overall length of the replacement if you use another Delco type. There is a shorter version . Probably the best thing is to buy a new PMGD style which weighs about half of the Delco.

 

[Alumarine]

The new one you have is the PMGD style that Kenny mentioned.
When I replaced mine with one of those the old original bolts were the wrong length.

As for the bracket, I'm not sure if it's needed with the new starter.
I did make a new bracket though.

 

[interalian]

Not to hijack, but I was helping fix a '94 with 3.0 and the reason it wouldn't crank was the additional relay mounted by the bell housing. I found it odd that system needs a relay to drive another relay. Or are the key switches just that wimpy? Seems to use the same relay as the PTT system.

 

[Bt Doctur]

The distance from the key to the solenoid is too far for 16 or 18 gauge wire.thats why a slave is used.

 

[interalian]

Makes sense.

 

[SGaynor]

It's in. It starts. I'll probably make a bracket next weekend.

Thanks y'all.