Help! Need to replace starter on 2002 27pc
- Thread starter Adolfo
- Start date
I assume your 27 has twin engines and that’s why it’s tight. There are some that have singles.
I’m not very familiar with the 27 but if it is the starboard motor, there may be some accessories that are in the bilge btwn the motor and the starboard gun whale that can be removed. On my previous 31 and current 34, the water heater is in that location. Removal of that could provide some room.
Another option would be to remove the exhaust manifold on the starboard side of the motor.
One thing I can definitely tell you is that to remove the motor, you would have to disconnect the +12 volt wire that goes to the starter so there has to be a way to get at it.
I’m not very familiar with the 27 but if it is the starboard motor, there may be some accessories that are in the bilge btwn the motor and the starboard gun whale that can be removed. On my previous 31 and current 34, the water heater is in that location. Removal of that could provide some room.
Another option would be to remove the exhaust manifold on the starboard side of the motor.
One thing I can definitely tell you is that to remove the motor, you would have to disconnect the +12 volt wire that goes to the starter so there has to be a way to get at it.
Kimo
Member
+1
My mechanic had to replace the Starboard side starter on twin 7.4 MPIs.
It took him a LONG time and a LOT of patience because 1) the bolts holding the starter to the bottom of the engine were corroded, and 2) space was so limited that he was essentially using one hand and arm. Formula's starter placement is not ideal.
One word of advice - do not push too hard to have this done for Father's Day, or you may be buying more problems.
If this is a 27PC then chances are that your bolts are also corroded, especially if this is an original starter (unlikely, but possible).
If corroded, these bolts should be treated with the patience of a bonsai tree groomer, because if you strip out or shear one of them by muscling it out, your day's gonna get a lot worse.
Yes, it can likely be done without removing the engine, but you need the right mechanic with the time and patience to work it with penetrating oil and heat until he can get it out safely.
My mechanic was down there at least 5 or 6 times "grooming the bolts" - oil and heat, oil and heat, etc., before he got that pig out.
I hope you have good luck - maybe your starter was replaced recently and the going will be easier for you.
Take care.
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I had no issues doing the port starter on a 7.4l twin 330ss. It sucked, it involved a lot of cursing, but ultimately took about an hour. I removed the belt to let me get my arm under.
The mechanic trick is to use an air ratchet (or battery version) to get the bolts started. They are tapered so no worry on cross threading, they are designed to self align on the way up. I used a rope through a gap in the exhaust manifold /block interface to take weight off the starter. Of course if you haven't changed any starters before and don't know what to look for, it may take a bunch longer.
The mechanic trick is to use an air ratchet (or battery version) to get the bolts started. They are tapered so no worry on cross threading, they are designed to self align on the way up. I used a rope through a gap in the exhaust manifold /block interface to take weight off the starter. Of course if you haven't changed any starters before and don't know what to look for, it may take a bunch longer.
