aggressive behav

I'm new to this site and I gotta tell ya, I've learned alot from here already.. I just bought '88 formula with 2-454's. The starboard starter soleniod operates when it feels like it (I've had to "persuade" it to engage a couple times), but it now has lived its life out. I was able to get the starter out, but it wasn't wasy and I had gravity on my side. Do I have to pull engine out enough to get new starter in? I'm sure some of you have had to do this and may know some tricks. Thanks!!

nsformula

I took the bolts to a machine shop and had some made with a long hex, 3 inches maybe.
Made it way easier to get bolt started by hand and then tools attached.
Still a pain to get the starter lined up to the housing though.

waycool marine

some of the old bigblocks have another solenoid, mounted above the fuel pump, I would try that 1st

aggressive behav

Thanks guys.... I did see soleniod above fuel pump and had already checked that. Getting voltage to starter soleniod.. Thanks

txriverrat2001

Run a string down the side of the block and loop it around the starter. Have someone hold it - move it up and down - makes it a helluva lot easier... once the bolts are in - unloop string and move on....

aggressive behav

String or strap sounds like a great idea.. I feel for the people that work on boats.. Racing front engine dragsters were much easier to work on..

txriverrat2001

Oh it works .. done it for yrs.... Sea water pumps on a 36 NorTech w/ 850SCI's suck also ... :-)

expertinboats

Actually The Easiest Way And The Fastest Way On That Formula Is Just Pull The Engine
It Only Takes About A Hour To Get It Ready To Lift
It Is The Easiest Way