Starter bolt and Bilge Pump

[dpkyte]

2002 Sea Ray 176 BR, Mercruiser 3.0.

I was trying to clean the contacts on the wire to the starter, the smaller one that actually kicks it in and I dropped the nut. Any idea the size of the nut?
Reason I was doing this is because every now and then I would just hear a "click".

Also, My bilge does not work, how the heck do you replace it? It is impossible to get under the engine.

 

[JV II]

You can replace your bilge, but the whole boat goes with it.

Don't try getting under your engine. That could hurt.

I couldn't resist, sorry.

 

[mvoellinger]

It may be your starter solenoid as well, mounted on the starboard side of the engine just below where the throttle controls are mounted. I have the same boat/year and mine just did the same thing a few months ago and it ended up being the solenoid. Was about $25 and I posted on here my replacement process.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Why can't you use a magnet to retrieve the nut you dropped?