Merc 3.0 Starter motor

[Denis O]

Just changed the starter motor on my boat and when I put the new one on, the bracket that holds the motor to the block would not fit. It's a few mm out where it goes onto the motor. Everything else is fine and all is working perfectly.

How important is the bracket? From what I've read, the torque of the starting can be a problem and the bracket holds it steady.

I couldn't believe the state of the old one. More rust than a rusty thing.

Not a difficult job but awkward although when it's 36c here in Corfu it's no fun working on anything. The swim after I'd finished was most welcome.

 

[BruceK]

On my previous runabout the starter motor sheared a bolt and jammed into the ring gear disabling the engine at sea. It was an engine out job to remove the broken bolt. I heard that it was not uncommon for this to happen so I'd say the bracket is important. (Mine did not sport a bracket)