Tips On Replacing Starter

[tank1949]

My starter is shot, just ordered a new one and want to try replacing it without pulling the engine out. Easy access with my right arm/hand, but left arm/hand is going to be hard. Anyone tried doing this one-handed?

My experience is that you will have to remove STB exhaust manifold and risers (if you have them), to provide more room. That is how I replaced my starter. You can cut off bold heads of 5" long bolts and cut in flat screwdriver slots into the bolts. You can then replace the manifold center bolts with these and guide off the manifold w/o manifold's weight destroying plugs. The two are strong enough to hold manifold. Trust me. Good luck!

 

[johnmsch]

Thanks guys. The question is where would I find a PMGR for my motor? I don't even know where to look.
Got the new starter on Friday and just got a chance to get back in the boat for some pics. Still trying to decide how to prop up the starter while removing the old one and installing the new one.
BTW, the bolts go in vertically. Kinda hard to see the head of one bolt on the bottom corner of the old starter pic.

 

[Scott Danforth]

NAPA will have one in stock

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Thanks guys. The question is where would I find a PMGR for my motor? I don't even know where to look.
Got the new starter on Friday and just got a chance to get back in the boat for some pics. Still trying to decide how to prop up the starter while removing the old one and installing the new one.
BTW, the bolts go in vertically. Kinda hard to see the head of one bolt on the bottom corner of the old starter pic.

What engine do you have?

 

[Scott Danforth]

What engine do you have?

its in his signature

 

[Grub54891]

Thanks guys. The question is where would I find a PMGR for my motor? I don't even know where to look.
Got the new starter on Friday and just got a chance to get back in the boat for some pics. Still trying to decide how to prop up the starter while removing the old one and installing the new one.
BTW, the bolts go in vertically. Kinda hard to see the head of one bolt on the bottom corner of the old starter pic.

Tie a string/small rope to it. Tie off the rope and it’ll hold it up so you can remove and install the bolts.

 

[Lou C]

The new style PMGR starters are so light that you can hold it up one handed & get the bolts started

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

its in his signature

I'm on a cell phone, I don't get see signatures

 

[Scott Danforth]

I'm on a cell phone, I don't get see signatures

Go up to the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner. Click on the desktop version

 

[johnmsch]

Mission accomplished using @cyclops222 method in post #4 above. I had some threaded rods left over from an old project years ago that worked perfectly. Only issue was that I couldn't get the exact torque on the bolts (got the factory ones from Mercruiser when I ordered the new starter). Service manual calls for 30 foot pounds on each one, but closest I could get was about 20. Just couldn't get enough leverage in such a tight space.
Amazing how much faster she cranks now!
About the PMGR starter, I can't find one with the same mounting pattern as the one I have now. Definitely nothing even close at NAPA! Besides, I wouldn't even consider an automotive starter. Anyone have a source for this?
Thanks again to you guys!

 

[Scott Danforth]

There are only 4 starters for I/O GM marine motors (non RH , and non Inboard )regardless if it's a 3.0 liter or a 8.2 liter.

The straight across pattern for 153 tooth flywheel in both direct drive and PMGR

The staggered pattern for 168 tooth flywheel in both direct drive and PMGR

The DB electric ones are $80. The Arco ones are $160 (Amazon prices)

 

[cyclops222]

Amazon is now getting very pricy on lots of items.

 

[nola mike]

Go up to the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner. Click on the desktop version

Or put the phone in landscape

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Mission accomplished using @cyclops222 method in post #4 above. I had some threaded rods left over from an old project years ago that worked perfectly. Only issue was that I couldn't get the exact torque on the bolts (got the factory ones from Mercruiser when I ordered the new starter). Service manual calls for 30 foot pounds on each one, but closest I could get was about 20. Just couldn't get enough leverage in such a tight space.
Amazing how much faster she cranks now!
About the PMGR starter, I can't find one with the same mounting pattern as the one I have now. Definitely nothing even close at NAPA! Besides, I wouldn't even consider an automotive starter. Anyone have a source for this?
Thanks again to you guys!

Awesome, I put a PMGR in last month and it really cranks amazingly. Glad it worked out for you.

 

[johnmsch]

Awesome, I put a PMGR in last month and it really cranks amazingly. Glad it worked out for you.

Thanks again for all the help/ideas.
I did a quick search for the PMGR to fit my motor, but couldn't find it. Will have to do a deeper search when I have more time.

 

[johnmsch]

There are only 4 starters for I/O GM marine motors (non RH , and non Inboard )regardless if it's a 3.0 liter or a 8.2 liter.

The straight across pattern for 153 tooth flywheel in both direct drive and PMGR

The staggered pattern for 168 tooth flywheel in both direct drive and PMGR

The DB electric ones are $80. The Arco ones are $160 (Amazon prices)

Thanks. I'm assuming the one I want is the "staggered pattern for 168 tooth flywheel?"

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Thanks. I'm assuming the one I want is the "staggered pattern for 168 tooth flywheel?"

Amazon has both, and eBay too

 

[Scott Danforth]

And NAPA, and all marine shops and all starter/alternator shops

 

[Lou C]

I like to get parts from a local marine supplier he is very knowledgeable and knows which brands the mechanics like and which ones they don’t. He also gives regular customers a discount! And also knows other professionals that boat owners need like upholstery or fiberglass.