Mercruiser 5.7 litre ring gear problem

[egyptrr]

I had a problem last year where the starter chewed away a few teeth on the ring gear. I had the engine re-built with a new starter and ring gear. This year after only about 10 -20 starts and less than 10 hours on the engine, the new starter chewed away the teeth on the ring gear once again.

Is this a common problem. I know that I have to replace the ring gear again, but does anyone have some advice on how to ensure that it does not happen again. The new starter is one of the smaller high torque style (similar to the one that failed last year). The manual shows that it could have been originally equipped with the larger, slower turning starter. Would that be a better option?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7 litre ring gear problem

Ayuh,....

It shouldn't matter Which starter you use,...

I suspect alignment issues between the starter,+ ring gear...

 

[egyptrr]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7 litre ring gear problem

How does one adjust or make changes to the starter-ring gear alignment. The starter is attached by 2 bolts to the block?

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7 litre ring gear problem

the first thing is that your using the correct bolts. actual starter bolts, they are different then a standard bolt.
Then you should be able to pick up some shims anyplace that sells starters.

 

[potters8]

Re: Mercruiser 5.7 litre ring gear problem

got my 1996 sea ray back 2 weeks ago, and the ring gear and starter broke again with in 1 day, put in another starter and ring gear, and it happened again, this time shearing the starter off......this guy is baffled, when it starts it performs top notch......