Replacing a starter on a 210 Sundeck

[cyc boater]

Can some one please tell me why Sea Ray decided to put the starter in the back of the engine, impossible to see and extremely difficult to get to. We almost had to pull the engine to get to it. This is on a small block 305, 5 liter V8. I hope I never have to replace again!

 

[wakeup 19]

Not a fun job, try changing them on a twin engine with the starter in between? Even worse, good luck working upside down! You may want to put some duct tape or similar to hold the bolt in place until you get it started.

 

[Frozen]

i just did mine and when installing them, wrap a ratchet strap around the engine and use it to hold up the starter, made it super easy for me.

 

[djnewbee]

I just covered my boat for the winter but need to replace the starter in spring - repair shop claimed around $300 to replace - being new to boating but not to handi work - can I replace the starter by myself? Do I have to remove the manifold? Any tips are helpful

 

[Gunn]

The starter is in the back of the engine because the flywheel/flexplate to the engine is in the back of the engine, connected to the crankshaft. The starter turns the flywheel/flexplate. So it can't be located anywhere else, unfortunately.

I had to replace mine in my 3.0l 175 this summer. It was difficult to get to, but being that there is only two large bolts in the front and small one in the rear, it's not a hard job.

YES, you can replace the starter yourself. Needs a minimum of tools (maybe two wrenches and/or a socket set). No, you don't have to remove any manifolds. It's kinda heavy, so either you have to hold it with one hand while you remove the remaining bolt, or... I like the ratchet strap idea to hold it in place, if possible. Getting the new one back on is harder since you have to feel for the bolt hole and get it lined up straight to get a couple of turns on the bolt. That's the hard part.

Tom

 

[flarepoman]

Thank god my 2 starters are on the top. I have changed the one's you speak of. A real B*#ch