Replacing mercruiser 5.7 ring Gear

[Willaim Pickard]

I removed the engine and found only one broken tooth on the gear. Adjacent teeth are very slightly worn. My question is : should I change the starter and what else should be changed while the engine is out? There was nothing else wrong that I could tell. I removed the engine because it was making a loud noise on cranking it is a 1994 5.7 L with a bravo outdrive Thanks for suggestions

 

[c0y0te56]

Re: Replacing mercruiser 5.7 ring Gear

Hey WP
You should go ahead and replace the ring gear.
They only cost $30 to $40 dollars for the part.
I've done 2 this year and they are a lot easier to do than I thought it would be. Or you can take the flywheel to a shop.
I'm sure the cost would be nominal.
If you don't the starter will find the broken tooth at the most inconvienent time every time and you will be stuck again.
Count on it.
Good Luck

JT

 

[Willaim Pickard]

Re: Replacing mercruiser 5.7 ring Gear

I plan to replace it. I found one at the local auto store for 18$ I don't know if I should replace the starter, I jumped it and it seemed to work fine. Lots of work to replace an 18$ part. Still don't know what caused the broken tooth. Also don't want to replace a good starter. Thanks for the advice

 

[c0y0te56]

Re: Replacing mercruiser 5.7 ring Gear

Hey Again

You need to look at the gear on the starter.
If it is worn replace the gear or the starter.
You could run it and it's easier to replace than a ring gear but,
If it doesn't engage correctly you could wind up doing the ring gear again.

I know this I've had to do it twice this year because of a lean problem and my Hi Torque starter pushing through a backfire.
Knocked off 3 teeth at a time.
Good Luck
JT