??? New starter question ???

[MATTANZA]

Just changed my bad starter ... WHAT AN F'N NIGHTMARE ! I had to remove the manifold, hoses , FW cooling heat exchanger etc. I have a couple of questions...#1 What should the rotation of my new starter be? CW , or CCW? #2 What preventative maintenace should I do to keep this new starter in good shape? #3 Should I have the old starter rebuilt, and keep it for a spare? I have an Indmar 351W in an 1989 22' Predator . What's the standard for rotation in a single screw boat ? I bought a CW starter , and I hope it's the right rotation! Should I have gotten a CCW starter ? Any help is much appreciated.
Rick

[easytimes455]

From everything I have read, standard is left hand rotation. If you can, check your prop... that will tell you.
CB

[Pedlyr]

Starter rotation on my 351 is CW. My engine is LH or CCW. My stater is mounted FORWARD of the flywheel. So my starter rotation is opposite engine rotation so that the starter gear and flywheel can mesh and turn at the same time.

If your starter is turned around and AFT of the flywheel (up on top, at the bell housing) then rotation is the same as engine. I know someone who made this mistake. I still have to take a second and think about this everytime.

[MATTANZA]

Put in the new CW starter . Works fine , but they gave me the wrong solenoid! I was sold an "external"ground solenoid , not internal ground solenoid... the damn engine wouldn't stop cranking! I put back the old solenoid , and eveything is a ok! Is it the norm to have to replace starters often in Shamrocks? I notice that my bilge is always going to be wet by design. What's the normal life expectancy of a starter ?
Rick

[Leprechaun]

Mine gets pulled and rebuilt every second season.

Never ever an issue with that kind of PM.

rgds, Leprechaun

p.s. - there's a bunch of tips on this site on how to make that job a little less aggravating - use the search engine to find them.

[Damon]

Rick,

Get a hold of me next time you replace the starter. I'll show you a neat trick on the R&R. I couldn't believe how easy it was after reading the horror stories. It does require some moderate yoga (I call it the "snake" position), but not too bad. It's all done from the rear of the motor with half your body down in the bilge, supported by your upper legs wedged against the engine cover and the bottom of your feet pressed against the hull. I should draw a diagram and post it.

NEVER do this from the top or front of the motor, it's too painful.

[easytimes455]

It does require some moderate yoga (I call it the "snake" position), but not too bad.

Damon,
Don't explain too much... whew ... isn't that the Kama Sutra Cobra position? I was starting to become a little worried, and steamy feeling, when you got into that a little.
CB