Mercruiser Starter Replacement DIY

[@Hammerhead1970]

Dude you rock. I just spent about 2 hours ,lying on the aluminum floor trim for the doghouse. I was cornfused just like you. Easily found the funky bolt but didnt realize it! Was starting to think the bolt i was searching forwas broke off or something. Thought it was a support ear for the starter or a cast iron ear or something. Boats an 83 Arrowglass 140 mercruiser sterndrive. Anyway ,im confident Now that i can easily get my new starter in once it arrives in a few days! Thanks for the " real world" video.😂

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

😂 Awesome!! Thank you and thanks for watching!! Good luck!🤘😊

[@stefanjo435]

Thanks man I have a 165 and new to boats. My starter was already removed so I had no idea how to wire it back in. You just saved me a week trying to figure it out. I really appreciate this video. Thank you

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

That's awesome! Glad it can help it's pretty easy, hope you have a good summer on the water! And thanks for watching!👍🍻

[@johnnyvo9654]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet And Stef An , I got the same problem the starter is there but the where the Red wire area are disconnected. I am not marine mechanical inclined. lol thanks to Whitehouse Farm man your video is very detail thanks again

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Wow that's awesome thank you so much and thank you for watching!👍😊

[@henryk2689]

Thank you. This has to be one of the most comprehensive videos. Now to see how agile I can be to replace mine. It's on a Sea Ray weekender 225. Pretty tight down on that side.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Thank you so much! That's greatly appreciated! You got it!😉👍And thank you for watching 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ThePheonix21390]

I have a 1983 Sea Ray cuddy cruiser 225, doing starter soon

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome! It's not that bad of a job good luck and thank you for watching!👍

[@campinqn1597]

good video thank you! very helpful as i replaced the starter in my mercruiser 350

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

That's awesome to hear!!!! Thank you and thank you for watching!👍😊

[@jarriodking9579]

i Just ordered one from Autozone, 116.99. I couldn't pull that DLG3550N part number on-line but in store they pulled it up! TY

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

That's awesome and a great price! Good luck and thank you for watching!😁

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Amazon link to buy in description!

[@willimondo]

Great video. I am half way through removing a super frozen on starter from my new boat running a 6.2 MPI. I have taken the back of the starter off but still have the two main bolts to remove. Hope they come out!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

They should, just take your time good luck buddy thank you for watching and if you haven't subscribed already hit that button it helps the channel out!! Thanks!

[@leesire]

Will 2K what are you using to get it unstuck? I saw on KZbin that liquid wrench was the best for getting bolts and nuts loose.

[@willimondo]

Lee Sires I used WD40 specialist penetrant and I used a wire brush repeatedly over a few days to get the bolt heads as clean as possible. I don’t think the penetrant did much, if anything, seeing the bolts are upside down and the threads are at the other ends. I removed the alternator and water pump to improve access, the manifolds and risers were already off. I bought a decent 6 sided hex half inch impact socket and used it on a breaker bar. It took me 3 hours once I first got movement on the bolts, as I could only turn them a tiny bit at a time, reaching right under the sump. I had to use the breaker bar right up until the last couple of turns. Probably up there with the hardest mechanical job I’ve ever done. A have dislocated a rib and badly bruised my arm, that’s how medieval I had to get with it!

[@leesire]

Will 2K man that tough! Sorry. Glad you got it out. I called mercury and they said the gap that exposing the flywheel is not good. He said water will get in there. Didn’t talk much about it. The part number that is used in the video is the part number mercury said is right fit for my engine. It’s a 120 hp merc. And cost about 300 from a mercury dealer. DANG

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Yeah I wish there was a solution to the gap but since all the original starters are obsolete we are stuck with the open gap aftermarket, if you find a solution let me know or if I find one I will post it!

[@Rabbit.760]

Whats that black thing running perpendicular with your starter above? It looks like the coil except it's much smaller? Has a wire on the end of it?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

It's a solenoid I believe that's what you are seeing, and thank you for watching!😁👍

[@tonybologna139]

I’m having trouble putting in the shorter screw. Did you have the same?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

I didn't but check the screw make sure it's not stripped out you might need to re-thread it or get a new one, also check the hole threads if you can and the angle, also make sure all the screws are loose and in before tightening them! Hopefully this helps and thank you for watching!👍

[@investfi7078]

Another great video bro!!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Thanks for watching!!!!😁🐐

[@tonyherrera9710]

I just bought mine for $600 and I know nothing about boats, but I’m learning a lot thanks you! What things should I check and replace other than the starter so I can make the motor to be 100% ?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Are you having starter issues? I would go through everything first! Have you tried starting your boat? Does it have points or electronic ignition? Let me know the year and what's going on with the engine! Thank you and thank you for watching!👍😊

[@tonyherrera9710]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet sorry for the late reply, I was dealing with the weather here in Utah, anyways I just started the motor and it runs, the carburetor leaks from the top, not sure about the electronic ignition, I can see that there is a starter by the engine. Also there is a low voltage cable broken on the back by the propeller. Please advise.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

When you say the carburetor is leaking from the top, do you mean the middle where the carburetor splits in 2 or where the fuel line goes in? Also low voltage cable by propeller? Can you send pictures to my email! [e-mail] 👍

[@juanverduzcojr1890]

Great video but on out boat were not getting any spark can’t seem to figure it out?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Points or electronic ignition?

[@herodog97]

I have a question so i just replaced my battery wires and when i try to start my boat the starter clicks but than doesnt do anything else. Ive checked and cleaned all the connections and still nothing. I tried to jump it like how you did in the video and all i got was sparks and then a winding noise but nothing else. Does it need to be replaced?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

The new wires wouldn't effect the starter if anything it's a better connection the clicking can mean the brushes inside are bad or worn out the bendix which is the part that engages the flywheel has broken teeth it's hard to tell unless you take it apart, you can always have it rebuilt or buy a new one, but also!!!!!!! check your battery first make sure it is fully charged!!!! Could be a weak battery! From what you told me with the clicking and whirling that is normally a sign of a bad starter but check battery first! Thank you for watching and good luck!👍😁

[@herodog97]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet ive been watching your videos on your mercruiser and prob have watched all of them ten fold lol because we have the same exact mercruiser. The battery is brand new. And the starter i had replaced last year but ima guess after sitting for a year uncovered that it went bad. Luckily it was a cheap one off facebook marketplace but looks like ima go ahead and purchase a nicer quality one. Bought this boat as a project and i havnt touched it since july

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

That's awesome!!! Thank you, yeah sometimes you can get lucky with a cheap one but the quality isn't there, so sometimes its worth it to buy a known well built brand, I'm glad you checked the battery because I've known people to buy brand new starters and it was a weak battery the whole time! Thanks again and hopefully you'll be all set and back on the water soon!👍👍👍👍👍

[@badpete3497]

Hello Robert (my son's name so great BTW not Bob or Rob). I have a new used 2004 3.0 I/O Volvo Penta that has been in salt (part of its previous life). Now its in fresh water VT for the rest of its life. Looks like I bought a project. The mechanics up here in the great white north are hysterical if they find out a boat has been in salt and often will not work on it. I understand this but believe they are a bit overboard. Fact is in NC on the coast mechanics deal with salt and its a pain but they work through it. Did you use a bolt loosener before you backed off the old bolts on your starter? It looks like they came off pretty easy. Also did you use any anti seize or marine grease before you put the new bolts back in? BTW excellent video my starter has a slightly different configuration but its very close. I am thinking about provocatively changing my starter since its the original. Also reading through the comments I'd recommend a lot of commenters take apart their electrical connections and leads and clean them like you did, also spray them down with protective CRC solution. Does not matter if its salt or fresh, boat electronics are subject to a lot of corrosion. Its just faster in salt. Fixes a lot of problems

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Its Dan but that's okay😂Awesome! Yes I put some pb blast on the day before I do that with everything lol lots of rust here in the north lol Just take your time with it dont force it and brake a bolt it's a pain getting them out at that point Good luck and thank you for watching!👍😊

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

And yes a little never seize on the bolts!!!👍

[@PokeKrazy]

Thanks for going through that hell so we don’t have to!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Hahahhaha, it wasn't too bad lol thank you for watching!😁👍👍👍👍👍

[@pookster12345678910]

im having trouble with mine when i put the shorter bolt in it pushes the starter away from the other bolt hole and it puts the long bolt in a bind and strips the threads cause its at an angle

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

First take the starter out and put it back in make sure it is flush and seated all the way then try if that does not work i would take the starter out and use a tap and die on both bolts and bolt holes, there is probably a bunch of junk or rust or previous cross threading causing it not to seat right!! It should go together fine after that! Good luck and thank you for watching!

[@todosube]

Good job

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome thank you and thank you for watching!👍😊

[@robertgarcia293]

I'm back. Got the fuel pump replaced and the boat started and then after turning off I would turn the key and have nothing. Gauges wouldn't activate. Thought maybe it was the battery, took it out and charged it, put it back in and she would crank for a bit and then gauges would go dead again and no crank. I can't see in your video how you jumped the starter to test it. Did you run the screw driver from the positive to the negative?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Hey Robert! I can give you a couple trouble shooting tips that you can try if you have no power after turning the key, you have a starter solenoid that when you turn the ignition key it sends power to your starter solenoid , then the solenoid opens up and sends 12 volts between the 2 big posts on the solenoid to power to the starter, check your starter solenoid take a screwdriver and touch it to both of the large posts. There are 4 posts 2 small and 2 big you want to touch the 2 big ones be careful not to touch anything else because power is on!!!! if the boat trys to start you have a solenoid issue and it needs to be replaced! Also the starter solenoid is located just below your red button 50 amp fuse on the left side of the engine and its mounted with only 2 bolts holding it on! I'm trying to be as descriptive as possible to make this a breeze for you!😁I actually have a video on that and also how to test them but they aren't scheduled to be out yet!😖 lol start there and let me know how you make out we have a couple other tests we can do but start there and let me know how you make out! we will figure it out buddy!👍😊

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

To test your ignition switch either pull it from the dash keeping it connected or underneath access, you should have 3 prongs on the back of your ignition switch one that says Bat, another that says Acc and one more that says St , with key on touch a screwdriver to the Bat and St together if it starts then it's your ignition switch that needs to be replaced, I also have a video on that not out yet as well!👍 but simple check let me know! Good luck buddy !

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Another check if those dont work is to pull your main electrical harness plug once again it's back by your starter solenoid and 50 amp red button you cant miss it, its huge! Take the hose clamp off of it and unplug it and inspect your prongs make sure no corrosion and clean up if there is and you can put some dielectric grease in there make sure its plugged back in tight and then secure your hose clamp and try starting it now! Good luck buddy!👍👍👍

[@robertgarcia293]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet OK to be clear, is the key in the on position when I try this? So if the boat tries to start is it a bad solenoid or a bad starter?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Key is on for all tests, Have you already tried the ignition switch? If you tried ignition switch and turned the key and got power then move on to solenoid, if you turn the key and no power no start, jump the solenoid if it starts it's a bad solenoid! Hopefully that's it, To check your starter use a screwdriver on the positive of the starter on top left your main positive from your battery runs to it, and the post right next to it on the right on top, it should spin over!

[@uniteddrones7626]

Any way for you to send pictures of the starter and starter Solenoid

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Unfortunately not at this time I'm trying to set up an account for this channel I will let you know when its complete!

[@darrylkendro3024]

The power wire goes on first so you have maximum power from the battery.

[@darrylkendro3024]

and the small one goes on top. :)

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Thanks and thank you for watching!👍

[@jasonkuhn1195]

Harder part was holding up the starter to put back in while trying to catch the bolts

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Lol I know what you mean lol those starters aren't light especially trying to hold and bolt in! Thank you for watching!👍👍👍👍👍

[@chrispdx5755]

Any tips for how to accomplish this ? I have had a bear of a time getting those bolts into the threaded holes. Did you use the bracket at the end for this ? Loose or tight on that ? Any help much appreciated.

[@abeham3103]

Are two grounds connected to the battery?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

I just have 1 mounted to my engine, to the battery, on this boat!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

You might have other grounds for a accessories!

[@abeham3103]

Is the bracket necessary for it to work?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

It's not necessary for it to work, but definitely necessary overtime to keep working because of vibration and movement, it's there for a reason!

[@abeham3103]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet thank you brother

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Thank you for watching!😁

[@johnsalles8248]

thanks bro

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome! thanks for watching!👍😊

[@ozelot250]

I have a mercruiser 3.0 4 cylinder. I just replaced the old starter with a new one because the old stopped working. A few days later I found a broken starter bolt (long one) at the bottom of bilge. Now I have to figure out how to remove the threaded end of bolt which is broke off inside the engine block. Why would the bolt break like that?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Cheaply made parts nowadays or it was just a defect, if you can try to weld a nut to the stud if you can then back it out that way, or your gonna have to drill it out just be careful you can also rethread the hole, good luck hope you make out okay!

[@jimccc9467]

Don’t use the junk aftermarket starters, suck it up and buy the Quicksilver OEM one or get used to breaking bolts. The bolts bottom out and don’t torque down appropriately. The new ones are updated and have another bracket to help handle the vibration

[@chucho1184]

hi i see ur video cuestion i have medcruiser 120 u any picture at engine wire o electric wire conection i cant conect my

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

You can try pausing your video to see how its wired!

[@talebabuzwaid1346]

Great video👌

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome thanks!

[@mdemory]

Check that long starter bolt, didn't look to be flush, you might wana use the old longer bolt

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Definitely had to double check when I was editing the video lol thanks for watching!

[@sambonelife7485]

Is that the 3liter?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Yes all the videos on the different boats are all 3.0 mercruiser!

[@Robaboni]

I believe that there are shims that you can get to fill the gap.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome! Any place in particular? Thanks for watching!

[@Robaboni]

Looks like I had a Biden moment talking out my ass about stuff I don't know. The shims adjust the alignment of the pinion.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

😂

[@craigcolley7262]

Do you know anywhere I can just buy the bracket? I'm missing mine!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

They did have just the bracket sets on Amazon a while ago if not try ebay, and if you really get in a pinch you can fabricate a bracket from lowes using pipes and cotter pins for quick disconnect, wish I could help you out more ,I'll let you know if I come across anything! And thanks for watching!

[@craigcolley7262]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet Thanks. In Ireland so getting them here is difficult. Think I need to fabricate! I've also alays wanted to own a cotter pin!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Wow had no clue you were from Ireland, my wife and I were supposed to go there for our Honeymoon, 13 years later and 4 kids we still have not been able to go, hopefully someday soon, take care buddy and good luck!😁

[@craigcolley7262]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet you too buddy, if you ever make it over, look me up!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Awesome thank you!!!!🍻

[@richiegadar830]

Hello excellent video,do you happen to know the specification of the bolt that was taken off before the longest bolt, the one to the left of the long bolt

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

I dont off hand but I can try to take a look for you and will let you know! Thank you for watching!👍

[@erikbarker3608]

DLG3550N is the part number at autozone specifically for 3.0 140 mercruiser Also only 125.00usd

[@MrNhamidi]

Here in Ontario Canada I paid $350 CAD sadly

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Erik Barker might be on to something I wonder how much to ship from autozone to Canada?

[@leesire]

My mercruiser 120 was made in 1986 and goes on a 1987 Thundercraft. What year is your boat? How much was the starter? Thanks for the clip. It should be just like mine. Fingers crossed. Oh, I don’t know very much about boats but did you ever seal that gap? Will water get in the engine via that gap. When I order it I’ll ask about that gap and see if they have something to seal it with. Thanks again

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

I have a 140 ,3.0 1986 the starter when I got it was around 300 with tax. No apparently the gap does not make a difference from what I was told which I still dont like the idea of it being open but it is what it is for after market parts since the originals were discontinued, works great though good luck buddy and thank you for watching, make sure to click that subscribe button if you haven't already it helps the channel out thanks!!!

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

The starter I have listed in my description from Amazon is the same thing I bought but from a dealer hopefully it will work on your 120!

[@leesire]

WHITEHOUSE FARM I would call Mercury and talk to one of their tech about that gap. Was there a gap in the original one? Wow 300 bucks. Dang! I need to sell this boat. Lordy

[@leesire]

WHITEHOUSE FARM Mercury parts guy said that gap is bad. You’ll get water in there. Maybe plug with a piece cut out from a tire? He said the same part number is correct and a mercury dealer should be able to order the part for me.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Yeah the dealer here doesn't even have a fix for the gap!

[@frankweatherford6848]

Just cut to the chase catdaddy. Im here cause i know my starter was bad. I just wanted to see if cussed for days trying to access it first then bolting up fro bottom. I have no room in my mariah like you do. Consider yourself damn luck. Mercury marine starter logistics plaincsucks on this particular setup

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Definitely always helps when you have room! Lol

[@cliffnoel4179]

Is it more accessible if you remove the exhaust manifolds?

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

No, at least not on the setup I have!

[@paulbromell8018]

I don't know if you cross threaded the long bolt but if you look back at the video you didn't tighten it all the way home.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

I see what you mean I think I was just trying to tell what I was doing for the video it definitely wasn't seated all the way I probably said it , put down the camera then tightened it up it's just editing you dont see everything because it would be boring and take a long time so I try to edit out as much as I can to keep it interesting! I have probably 30 plus videos since this was done, Thank you for watching! 👍😊

[@diegosauda-zy4uw]

Mine has a 12mm bolt not 15 and 14

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Could be different year or mine at some point could of been re tapped! Thanks for watching!

[@andyvanorden115]

"Umm, umm, umm, umm, umm"

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

😂 today's videos I say alright and so alot lol

[@christianspry1518]

It’s a horrible spot for a starter I’ve struggled with mine as well no kind of room at all

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

Totally agree! Thank you for watching!😁

[@JamesJones-gg2wu]

@@WhitehouseFarmVet 100% thanks would have never taken the starter apart that looked 1000x easier than trying to get to the bolts

[@chrispdx5755]

Do you think disassembling the new starter would make installing it easier ? I’m having a helluva time getting those vertical bolts up into those holes.

[@WhitehouseFarmVet]

@chrispdx5755 honestly a mirror would probably work better to see the holes, these are a pain because of space and you can't see! Good luck and thanks for watching!