Hello,  been working on cars for 40 years but recently acquired a 1976 Hawaiian 460 BBF.  Been sitting for 10 years but motor turns by hand only starter is dead.  Didn't have much time to assess when I had to leave town for a bit.  Here is my question, can the starter be pulled without pulling exhaust manifold?  Any tricks or advice is appreciated.  thanks!

sure it can be unbolted, only issue is sneaking it out from under the motor.  theres usually not much room.  in my old boat it was easier to just pull the motor whenever i needed to work on it.  couple bolts, a fuel line, and a wiring harness and it was ready to be lifted out.  welcome to the world of boats. 

post up some pix!  we love pictures. 

They make starters and a mounting kit to put it up hi for easy swap, but it will require a reversed rotation starter if you want to go that route.  If you pull motor be sure to change the oil too.

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Wow I feel super lucky then... My start is stupid easy to get too. Don't have any idea what kind it is though. It went out last year and had it rebuilt by a guy in HB.


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Removing parts gives you more time spent with the one you love.

Thanks for all the replies.  I like the idea of hi mount but don't mind pulling motors as I enjoy working on them.  Obviously it depends on duty cycle but typically how often do you need to replace the starters?  I like the look with the starter hidden but if they require constant maintenance then the right choice would be relocation.  Someone mentioned changing oil while motor is out.  Is this the only way to do an oil change?  Thanks for the useful answers, didn't know if I'd get some smart ass comments so these make me feel this site is a good resource.  BTW, what is the closest place to San Diego for jet boating?

Many people pull the motor to change the oil; some just let it drain out the plug into the hull and out the back (this is how I do it, it's a PIA to get clean after though); others will pump it out the fill tube; and some add a drain hose with a valve at the drain plug so they don't have to drain it into the hull...


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So you remove "them" every season you say.  I'll assume you are referring to the starter?  Can you give me a typical year of what you do with your rig?  From off season maintenance to final prep to season?  I like to do my research especially with things that are new.  Had boats my whole life but never jets.  Thanks for the help.

I have had the same starter since 2005 and its on its second BBF. I remove the logs every off season for a major hull clean/block flush. The only way to get to the drain for your block if you have the traditional log is to remove the log( always has sand in it after a season at the lower river). Maintenance is in how long and bitchn you want your rig to look and last... I have a 73 that looks near new and takes alot of dedication to keep it that way. New wire job/cables is good, fresh pump rebuild as well healthy engine with the right 10qt pan. If your engine is enclosed get more marine safe parts/screens with a good blower. Poke around on this site and you'll find most of your questions are already answered.