SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: newrob1 on February 04, 2014, 10:15:54 AM

Title: Newbie with Question
Post by: newrob1 on February 04, 2014, 10:15:54 AM
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!
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: ka0tyk on February 04, 2014, 10:45:13 AM
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.  O0
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: kwood on February 04, 2014, 11:25:07 AM
i found its not worth fighting the manifold and just take it off, its cake to take it off
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: GlassCutter on February 04, 2014, 12:59:06 PM
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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Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: Horizonjet on February 04, 2014, 06:17:27 PM
That's what I had to do. I could get the starter out but no way I could start the back bolt no matter how many cuss words I said. Easy out and I had to change the oil anyway. 2 birds with one stone.
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: More2LifeThanMPG on February 04, 2014, 08:46:19 PM
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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Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: Horizonjet on February 04, 2014, 09:21:16 PM
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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You are one of the lucky ones!   :thumbup:
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: Your Mom on February 05, 2014, 05:55:39 AM
Removing parts gives you more time spent with the one you love.
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: newrob1 on February 05, 2014, 06:31:44 AM
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?
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: More2LifeThanMPG on February 05, 2014, 06:47:29 AM

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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Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: Your Mom on February 05, 2014, 07:10:29 AM
Local lakes...like elcap and if we get some rain, san v soon. Martinez 3hrs out and you can book a room in a 2 month advance 800-876-7004 press one/store and ask for Lynn. My starter is low and behind log but I remove them every off season anyway.
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: newrob1 on February 05, 2014, 07:21:16 AM
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.
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: ka0tyk on February 05, 2014, 09:30:17 AM
in my experience the life of your starter is directly proportionate to how much water you allow to have in your bilge.  if you splash around a lake back there and it gets all over your starter it starts to rust and go to hell.  if you keep a tight ship and clean, then it should last forever.
Title: Re: Newbie with Question
Post by: Your Mom on February 05, 2014, 07:19:39 PM
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.
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