The starboard engine starter on my 1984 Cruisers inc. needs to be replaced . Has anyone got any information on how to do it. Just trying to touch the bottom bolt on the starter is difficult let alone breaking it loose and removing it. There is very little room . Can I loosen the engine mounting bolts and raise the engine far enough to get the bolt out ? Is this even an option ? Anyone have any suggestions.
351 Pleasurecraft engine starter
- Thread starter essikr
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- Jul 27, 2001
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I assume the boat has an outdrive, as most of the inboards I’ve seen have the starter mounted on top. But either way, I’ve always removed the outdrive ( or shaft) if I need to lift a motor more than an inch or two. And I don’t love getting underneath when the motor is hanging on a hoist. Had to swap oil pans on my American Skier last year; not a horrible job. I left the shaft attached, as I didn‘t need to lift very far. But with an outdrive, I can’t imagine you can move the engine up at all with the drive still on.
starters are tough. I don’t know how the pros do it. On my bow rider, I‘ve had the starter replaced three times. Once I had the shop do it, they charged me one hour labor, which means it took them no time. Once I did it myself, took a whole slew of wrenches - curved, offset, ratcheting - every option I could find. I don’t remember which one worked, but eventually got the bolts out. Getting the new starter bolted in was no pleasure either. Third time, I had the motor out, and went ahead and replaced a perfectly good starter, just to delay having to do it in the boat again.
starters are tough. I don’t know how the pros do it. On my bow rider, I‘ve had the starter replaced three times. Once I had the shop do it, they charged me one hour labor, which means it took them no time. Once I did it myself, took a whole slew of wrenches - curved, offset, ratcheting - every option I could find. I don’t remember which one worked, but eventually got the bolts out. Getting the new starter bolted in was no pleasure either. Third time, I had the motor out, and went ahead and replaced a perfectly good starter, just to delay having to do it in the boat again.
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2001
- RO Number
- 5508
- Messages
- 1,243
yes, with an inboard you have some room to move. as I mentioned above, I was able to lift my motor enough to get the oil pan off without touching the shaft coupling. Although I suppose I was mostly tilting the motor, by raising the front. You’ll have to check the alignment when you sit it back down, but that should be done every few years anyhow.
if you disconnect the shaft, you can lift the motor as high as you like, or at least as high as the exhaust , plumbing or wiring will allow. But be careful under there!
if you disconnect the shaft, you can lift the motor as high as you like, or at least as high as the exhaust , plumbing or wiring will allow. But be careful under there!