starter problems on merc I/O

[vref15]

hey guys first time to post on here.
I have a 1995 4.3 merc with 4bl carb i just rebuilt a boat and put a new reman engine in it. anyways about 15 hours or so into the initial run in the starter started making a weird grinding sound on starting. the engine starts fine and runs like a top but the noise change bothered me. I ordered a new starter and it and after replaceing it it made the same noise.. well a couple days ago i went to start it and the bendix didnt engage the flywheel and just grinded. ive seen pictures of new starters with shims included with it but mine didnt have any.... do you guys think this might help?
or do you think that i just shouldnt have bought a $60 starter aftermarket?

any idea would be appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

Pull the starter back off and see if the ring gear is missing teeth.

 

[vref15]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

the ring gear is in good shape no teeth missing or even worn

 

[96 manta ray]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

the ring gear is in good shape no teeth missing or even worn

My 96 4.3 doing the same thing. Pretty sure i have teeth missing on ring gear. I put a new starter on mine an it works fine UNLESS you hit the spot where the teeth are bad.Im pulling engine an changing ring gear before i run into bigger problems.

 

[Don S]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

After many years as a Marine tech and using OEM replacement part, I have never had the need to use starter shims. It's only the ones with the cheap aftermarket starters that need shims. If you have one of those, buy some shims. Auto parts stores carry them.

 

[vref15]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

thanks Don,
I will try it and let ya know if it works.

 

[96 manta ray]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

Mine had a advance auto parts starter on it an the guy had .192 thousanths worth of shims in it. Ithink this may have helped with my missing teeth on the flywheel.

 

[96 manta ray]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

the ring gear is in good shape no teeth missing or even worn

Unless the flywheel ring gear is bad what else could it be??? Maybe a bad starter even thou its new most after markets are remans.

 

[Bondo]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O

hey guys first time to post on here.
I have a 1995 4.3 merc with 4bl carb i just rebuilt a boat and put a new reman engine in it. anyways about 15 hours or so into the initial run in the starter started making a weird grinding sound on starting. the engine starts fine and runs like a top but the noise change bothered me. I ordered a new starter and it and after replaceing it it made the same noise.. well a couple days ago i went to start it and the bendix didnt engage the flywheel and just grinded. ive seen pictures of new starters with shims included with it but mine didnt have any.... do you guys think this might help?
or do you think that i just shouldnt have bought a $60 starter aftermarket?

any idea would be appreciated

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... The shims, move the starter, Away from the flywheel...

You need to determine the Why of the grinding,...

Is the bendix gear hittin' the tops, or the bottom of the ring gear,..??

Is the ring gear properly seated,..??

Are the starter bolts, the correct bolts,..??

 

[vref15]

Re: starter problems on merc I/O



well found the source. apparently once when it backfired while starting this part of the block had cracked. it went unnoticed until it actually fell off yesterday revealing the culprit. now the question is how in the world can this be fixed?? I hope the picture came through ok.