Flywheel size for correct starter

[boatdude100]

I am trying to match starter motor to flywheel. Not sure if its possible to count teeth on old (automotive) starter but I think I have found the part Teleflex Marine 18-6275 Starter (Sierra)
3L LX 1994 (serial numbers don't bring results)

I read:
If you have a staggered bolt pattern starter, it's the 14" flywheel...
If it's the straight across pattern, it's the 12" flywheel...

but this was for a different merc engine. Does this go for mine? (Current starter is staggered which I believe means, one long bolt, one short)

 

[GA_Boater]

Since no Merc outboard has a 14", let alone a 12" flywheel, moved to the Mercruiser section.

 

[alldodge]

Current starter is staggered which I believe means, one long bolt, one short)

Yep, 14 inch flywheel and staggered patten

 

[Bondo]

but this was for a different merc engine. Does this go for mine? (Current starter is staggered which I believe means, one long bolt, one short)

Ayuh,.... Yer question is awfully confusin',...

What's the Problem,..??
'n What is the motor yer workin' on,..??

The straight across pattern uses a long, 'n a short bolt,...
The staggered pattern uses 2 long bolts,...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Yes, stagered pattern is for GM 168 tooth flywheel, dtraight pattern is for 153 tooth flywheel.

Same for 3.0, 4.3, 4.5, 5.0, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2 and on and on and on

 

[boatdude100]

Thanks to all.. as FYI info

As a followup, Sierra said this:
14" flywheel is staggered
12" flywheel is straight... confirmed (remembering this is without serial number confirmation)
In case you were like me and don't get the staggered concept... straight means bolts are "in line" and staggered means "offset"

Thus, because mine is straight... I can assume it is 12" flywheel (12.75" actually)

They (Sierra) recommended 18-5911 (bulky, old, cheaper) but didn't know the flywheel size it was suitable for ...or alternatively the newer: 18-5919. One is 11 tooth, one is 9 but he said it didn't make a difference...?

I really wish my serial number (tag near starter) brought up anything anywhere (ser 367647... no letters) Mercruiser 1994 block 3L LX

Now the question is... with these new starters can I get a rear mounting support bracket that fits, so I can never break another damn starter bolt!

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can get a PMGR style like I stated in your other thread. they make them in both configurations

 

[Bondo]

Now the question is... with these new starters can I get a rear mounting support bracket that fits, so I can never break another damn starter bolt!

Ayuh,.... Donno, but it's easy enough to fab up such a piece,...

On a side note, the smaller newer starters use slightly shorter bolts,...
'n a starter with tight bolts, don't break the bolts,...