Replacing Starter Motor on 1989 Four Winns 180 Horizon with 5.0 OMC Cobra Ford 302 Engine

[Kevinwright62]

Hello, I am trying to find out if there is anyway to replace the starter motor without pulling the engine as the access to the starter motor is very tight. The starter spins at high speed but does not engage the ring gear, hence I think I need to pull the starter and repair or replace. Any advice would be much appreciated
Thankyou
Kevin

 

[Bt Doctur]

May have to remove the exaust manifold for better access

 

[Lou C]

I have an ‘88 H-200 and have done the starter a few times. I remove the rear seats & battery and I can get at it easily.

 

[kenny nunez]

I have had some luck with a 36” extension plus a universal socket. I know all boats are different and I can feel your pain. I did this for over 30 years.
As B D mentioned pulling the manifold might do the trick.
Also removing the engine mount lag screws and with a small bottle jack you can safely raise the engine up some without doing any damage just watch the rear upper area and exhaust hoses that nothing is being crushed.
The starter shaft might be rusted which can stop the starter gear from engaging the ring gear.

 

[Kevinwright62]

Hello, I am trying to find out if there is anyway to replace the starter motor without pulling the engine as the access to the starter motor is very tight. The starter spins at high speed but does not engage the ring gear, hence I think I need to pull the starter and repair or replace. Any advice would be much appreciated
Thankyou
Kevin

I have an ‘88 H-200 and have done the starter a few times. I remove the rear seats & battery and I can get at it e

I have had some luck with a 36” extension plus a universal socket. I know all boats are different and I can feel your pain. I did this for over 30 years.
As B D mentioned pulling the manifold might do the trick.
Also removing the engine mount lag screws and with a small bottle jack you can safely raise the engine up some without doing any damage just watch the rear upper area and exhaust hoses that nothing is being crushed.
The starter shaft might be rusted which can stop the starter gear from engaging the ring gear.

Thanks guys, I will be honest this is my first time on a forum for anything and appreciate your help this afternoon. Does everyone on the thread from me get copied?. Anyway I had a lot of success this afternoon after pulling the rear seat, which actually wasnt that bad after I found the screws underneath the seat pad (bench style) and was able to tug on it and lift it out of the way . after that I could lie down and locate the starter motor bolts and wiring connector, there were only two bolts, the 3rd bolt hole was misaligned so not sure what that was all about but it looked like the original starter as it was painted the same color as the block etc. The 1st bolt was easy to get to and was 9/16" There was a steel band around the motor that was blocking access to the bolt at the rear so i cut off the band with a dremel (love using that tool). As suggested I used a universal socket and extension to get at the 2 bolt, i found that a 3/8 drive set worked better as it was skinnier than the 1/2" drive.Thanks guys, I will be honest this is my first time on a forum for anything and appreciate your help this afternoon. Does everyone on the thread from me get copied?. Anyway I had a lot of success this afternoon after pulling the rear seat, which actually wasn't that bad after I found the screws underneath the seat pad (bench style) and was able to tug on it and lift it out of the way . after that I could lie down and locate the starter motor bolts and wiring connector, there were only two bolts, the 3rd bolt hole was misaligned so not sure what that was all about but it looked like the original starter as it was painted the same color as the block etc. The 1st bolt was easy to get to and was 9/16" There was a steel band around the motor that was blocking access to the bolt at the rear so i cut off the band with a dremel (love using that tool). As suggested I used a universal socket and extension to get at the 2 bolt, i found that a 3/8 drive set worked better as it was skinnier than the 1/2" drive. Got the starter out and the Ford part # on the casting was E6JF-11131-AA. Looking on line tonight to find one. 1st one to pop up is DB Electrical for $103

 

[Lou C]

Consider ARCO starters as well more expensive but very good.