Changing starter on 200531 PC Kohler 7.3

[Sea's the Day]

Original owner 2005 31 PC w/ twin 8.1 L VP I/O's and Kohler 7.3e generator. Gennie needs a new starter. Failing Bendix and brushes. Sourced a new starter from ASAP parts. Only 2 bolts and 1 electrical connection. Should be easy. Not, as the starter is facing the mid-ship bulkhead. Like many of us owners there's rust on the pan. Not too keen on moving the generator. (Not sure what's involved in moving the generator?) Was thinking of accessing through a small cut out I would make in the fiberglass behind the aft cabin seating. Comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[gustaf]

I've got an '04 34PC with Volvo 8.1s and a Kohler 7.3 as well. Not sure what you're working with in terms of room in the 31 vs my 34, but I would suggest removing the 4 bolts that keep pan bolted to the boat and just move the genny enough to get access to the starter. The rusty pan thing sucks but I'd rather deal with that then cut holes.
I replaced the pan on my previous '98 31PC and it was not too hard to do if you've got a couple of buddies that can help lift it.

 

[Sea's the Day]

Good morning all. My gennie only had 3 screws holding it down. (There wasn't a screw where the exhaust hose comes off the generator.) Initially the hardest thing was getting the hose off the muffler. Starter got changed. The hardest part actually was getting the whole thing back in position. Had to use an old car screw jack and blocking to push her back into place. Painted the pan with a white rust paint. Runs like a champ now!