Starter Nut 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". If this is a common issue I would be interested in hearing any solutions.

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

 

[Lazy Daze]

Go at the pump from the battery compartment under/through the stbd jump seat. You might even be able to reach that nut. You could try using a hose to wash the bilge area (bow high) - it should move the nut around.

 

[dpkyte]

Regarding the nut, I tried everything to find/see it, including flushing, shop vac, air compressor ... then went to hardware store and picked up some 12 size nuts, which worked.

Regarding the Bilge, I will see if that will work. Even if you can reach it, I have no idea if it screws in or out, if I even have to unscrew anything... if that is the case, near impossible w/o lifting the engine. I noticed last night that if I tap the bilge with anything it kicks on...

 

[skibum]

Got a magnet? That should help you find the lost nut.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Regarding the nut, I tried everything to find/see it, including flushing, shop vac, air compressor ... then went to hardware store and picked up some 12 size nuts, which worked.

Regarding the Bilge, I will see if that will work. Even if you can reach it, I have no idea if it screws in or out, if I even have to unscrew anything... if that is the case, near impossible w/o lifting the engine. I noticed last night that if I tap the bilge with anything it kicks on...

"Usually" the motor unsnaps from the base. I think once you look at it from the direction I mentioned you might be able to see it. Absolute worst case scenario: Just install a new one in a more forward location.

Keep tapping the motor some more. Then put your bilge plug in and start filling the bilge using a water hose. Get the motor running for a good 5 minutes. That may be all you need to do to clean the contacts.

 

[dpkyte]

I was able to get the bilge out to look @ the contacts by taking the battery out and going through there. Also, with the help of a mirror I noiced that there are 2 tabs to squeeze in to pull it out. Still hit and miss when hitting the bilge on/off button, I will go the route of running it for a few minutes, if that does not work, will replace.

Thx for the help.