Hi I am new to the site just purchased 87 300 boat ran well hard time starting starboard motor when returned to port the motor would not start turn the key winning noise did not want to damage fly wheel Would like to remove starter i hear it a bit of a problem Thanks John
Starter removal
- Thread starter John G
- Start date
Bt Doctur
Well-Known Member
if you have inboards the starter is rear entry type and easy to get to.But hearing a whining noise could be from water in a cylinder and hydro-lock caused the starter to break.
I would remove the sparkplugs first, install the starter and spin the motor with the plugs out to see if water is present.
I would remove the sparkplugs first, install the starter and spin the motor with the plugs out to see if water is present.
JVM225
Well-Known Member
If it's a Sundancer (has I/O's) it is hard to get to with the exhaust manifold on but not impossible.
I did it before I re-powered. I'm right handed, if you are left handed it may be a slight bit easier. I went with the smaller peanut starters on the new motors to make possible future replacement a little easier.
Having a helper in the cockpit to hand you stuff helps a lot.
You need to wedge yourself down sideways as far as you can between the starboard engine and fuel tank.
Once you get down there the bolt for the support bracket and nuts for the wires on the solenoid are pretty doable. You may have to do them by feel, but they can be gotten to.
One of the starter bolts is a real pain and will need to be walked out about 1/8 of a turn at a time. I found that a ratcheting box wrench helped a bit. No room to get to it with a ratchet and socket.
Once you get on the head with the ratcheting box wrench it will just take patience. The other starter bolt is a little easier.
For getting the new one back in you can start the easier bolt a couple of turns to take the weight off the starter and then go from there.
I did it before I re-powered. I'm right handed, if you are left handed it may be a slight bit easier. I went with the smaller peanut starters on the new motors to make possible future replacement a little easier.
Having a helper in the cockpit to hand you stuff helps a lot.
You need to wedge yourself down sideways as far as you can between the starboard engine and fuel tank.
Once you get down there the bolt for the support bracket and nuts for the wires on the solenoid are pretty doable. You may have to do them by feel, but they can be gotten to.
One of the starter bolts is a real pain and will need to be walked out about 1/8 of a turn at a time. I found that a ratcheting box wrench helped a bit. No room to get to it with a ratchet and socket.
Once you get on the head with the ratcheting box wrench it will just take patience. The other starter bolt is a little easier.
For getting the new one back in you can start the easier bolt a couple of turns to take the weight off the starter and then go from there.
Last edited:
