On Jul 30, 9:37 pm, Larry W wrote:
Just a heads-up to anyone replacing a starter in an I/O Mercrusier.

I've replaced dozens of Mercrusier starters and I always use the best new
starters available from the same supplier. I've never had a premature failure of
the starter itself.

I replaced one in a 3.0 about a month ago and it was the first starter that came
with new mounting bolts.

Customer called Sunday with a complaint that the starter was making a funny
noise. Turns out the long mounting bolt had failed/sheared off (see link below).
There was nothing unusual about the install and I know I didn't over tighten it.

Luckily, with the help of an angle drill, mirror and an ez-out, I was able to
make everyone happy but I am going to rethink using supplied bolts.

http://www.rovatune.com/starterbolt.jpg

Larry

Then again, I've seen seemingly countless OE bolts broken off in the
block. especially 350 chevy's. Oh and naturally it would mostly break
on the 'inside" bolt, too!