starter problem got worse

[SPOONMAN1]

95 omc 7.4 KC ---Well I knew I had starter problems because when I turned the engine over it make a revolution or two then something would bang real hard, shake the whole boat. On the lake yesterday it worked ok with the exeption of a ocasional whirring. Today someone was coming over to possibly purchase the boat and the problem is worse, so I have removed the starter and it appears fine. Flywheel appears fine . The bendix is functioning because the engine does turn over some before a bang or a whirr happens. Is it possible there is a bolt on the fly wheel sticking out and catching on something?

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

With closer inspection I found one tooth missing from flywheel. I will pull engine and install new one. Seloc manual says you must determin min. engine height before engine removal. What does this insure??

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: starter problem got worse

That probably is so you can get the engine back to the same relative position for getting the alignment right.

I strongly suggest that you get yourself a correct year/model OEM OMC service manual. Seloc is notorious for errors and omissions.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

I appreciate the info on the manual. I will still need an allignment tool though won't I ?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: starter problem got worse

I appreciate the info on the manual. I will still need an allignment tool though won't I ?

absolutely! Even if you weren't going to pull the engine, considering what a new coupler, u-joints etc costs, if you don't know when the alignment or bellows etc were checked last, it's good to pull the drive and check check the U-joints, bellows, and alignment anyway.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

Any suggestions on locating an alignment tool? And are they make and model specific?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: starter problem got worse

You can either borrow one from any Merc dealer (if they allow it) or pick one up on ebay etc.

You can also make one if you have access to a lathe. That's what I did.

They're all pretty much the same nowadays....:


http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/...42404--submit.Search--submit.x.26--submit.y.7
http://www.mercstuff.com/page16.htm
http://outdriveshop.com/engine_alignment.html
http://www.sterndrive.info/id25.html
http://sterndrivetools.com/Replace your Gen II Shift Cable.html
EVEN EBAY

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

well, I work at a machine shop ( I'm not a machinist) where can I get the specs for it?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: starter problem got worse

well, I work at a machine shop ( I'm not a machinist) where can I get the specs for it?

I knew you were going to ask that!!

Buy one of your machinists a 6 pack and he/she will probably make it in in less than 45min!!

It took me about an hour to make mine, out of a piece of 1.375" dia steel.

Here's the picture courtesy of DonS

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

you guys are great! I can have a freind @ work make this while I conentrate on building an "A" frame to pull the engine. What other maintenance or trouble areas should I look at while I have the engine out?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: starter problem got worse

you guys are great! I can have a freind @ work make this while I conentrate on building an "A" frame to pull the engine. What other maintenance or trouble areas should I look at while I have the engine out?

I'd retorque the transom plate and maybe just look at other "stuff" in there for loose fasteners etc... look closely at the coupler and splines to see how worn they are......

Even replace the bilge pump .... they're usually pretty hard to get to with the engine in there....

 

[subcrx]

Re: starter problem got worse

got my alignment tool on ebay for 50 bucks. cant go wrong

 

[Uraijit]

Re: starter problem got worse

Ditto, but if the guy has access to a machine shop, he'd be stupid to go buying one off Ebay. Save that money to put toward the flywheel replacement...

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

95 OMC 7.4 K C ---Alignment tool made made yesterday, $000 investment. Rick suggested I get an OMC or OEM Manual instead of the seloc I have now. I have not found any online. Any suggestions? This brings up original ??? Why does the seloc manual insist on calculating "min. engine hieght" It says that that it must be checked prior to engine removal & if the dimension is less than 14" you must install exhaast elbow high rise kit. The Engine has been in for 10 years & not needed the rise kit. I don't understand how I could change the engine height by R&R.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problem got worse

I don't understand how I could change the engine height by R&R.

You can't,
Engine (riser) height is determined by the manufacturer of the boat, long before you bought it.
Why Seloc makes a big deal about it, who knows.

You do realize you only have to replace the ring gear on the flywheel don't you? You do not need a complete flywheel.

http://marineengineparts.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page91.html

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

Thats what I thought --I do need a better manual. Yes, I had planned on trying to replace only the ring gear, but wasn't sure how. I assume grinder, heat & cold- tack weld, Anything tricky about it? Also I had planed on just picking one up @ the auto parts store.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problem got worse

Once you have the flywheel off, you can use a hammer and punch to knock the old ring off.
Then heat the new ring gear to about 450? and just drop it over the flywheel. When it cools, it will be tight.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

Thanks a bunch, I still would appreciate anyone knowing where I could find a good manual.

 

[SPOONMAN1]

Re: starter problem got worse

Are clymer manuals about the same as seloc?

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problem got worse

Are clymer manuals about the same as seloc?

Worse, by far, and Seloc is worthless IMHO.