Mercruiser 3.0 2(j) - Don’t Mess Around w/Starters

In this video I had to remove an engine to replace a starter. The customers starter wouldn’t fit (watch video) so I tested a starter of unknown condition that came with a core engine. The starter worked during testing but did not work once installed in the boat. It was so difficult getting a new starter mounted that I had to remove the engine to install a new starter.

In hindsight I should have purchased a new starter from the start. The lesson learned is don’t mess around with starters. They are so hard to remove and install with the engine in the boat that you should buy a new one rather than risk a used one not working. And even if it’s new it should be tested before reinstalling the engine.

If you take a boat to a repair shop for a new starter and they tell you the engine has to be removed they are telling you the 100% truth. I struggled for two hours trying to remove and install a new starter. I finally had to give in and remove the engine. In the long run it would have been faster.