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mercruiser 3.0 starter bolt??

T

tommy/tito

New member
I am looking at buying a used boat. The one i am the most interested in has the 3.0 mercruiser. One of the starter bolts is broke off in the block(sounds like a typical problem with these). How bad is it pulling the motor out to drill/tap the block? Is it something that is worth doing to save some money when buying a used boat?
 
If you can get at the broken bolt drill 1/8" angled hole above the broken bolt until the bit contacts the bolt. Fill the hole w/penetrating oil....keep doing so for 30+ days. The oil will loosen the broken bolt and make it easier to remove the broken bolt. The engine has to be removed to get at the bolt. Use a self centering punch to center the drill bit...use colbalt drill bits. Start w/a 1/8" bit and drill the hole 1/2" deep and insert an easy out and try to remove it. If it won't budge try a 3/16" bit and repeat.
 
This is a common problem when the stock starter is replaced and a front bracket is not installed. The starter vibrates and a broken bolt is a result. The bolt will keep breaking until the front bracket is installed period.

If you can with a mirror and a reverse drill bit spin the broken piece out. It will be loose in the block.

If you can't you have to pull the motor to get access. Drill the center of the bolt and spin it out with a easy out or a reverse drill bit.
 
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