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TomZ	06-09-2019 08:43 PM

TRS Starters Grinding

Last weekend one of my starters was showing signs of being on the way out the door. I could get the engine started, but it was grinding pretty badly. It definitely seemed to be a bad starter. After all it had been on the boat for 31 years... time for a new one and while at it I thought it would be a good tome to replace both.

I ordered a set set of starters from DB Electric (have had great luck with them in the past) and went to install the new ones today.

Both grind when hitting the key. I double checked and the starters are flush against the flywheel housing and tight. After a few hits, the starboard one seems to be better but sounds tight (seems like a lot of draw). The port side after trying ten times made the sound once (couldn’t duplicate in front of the Mrs).

I didn’t think there was a shimming procedure for these starters... bolt and go. Am I missing something? I tried searching via Google and didn’t find anything.

Any advice?

SB	06-09-2019 09:11 PM

31 years,,,, do you have the old 5000 pound style with brackets on the nose to block ? If so, are you re-using these brackets ?
Or the PMG260 mini style ?

TomZ	06-09-2019 09:45 PM

They are the huge by huge GM starters.. 25 lbs each I’d say.

There is a provision for a bracket on the back of the starter, but no brackets (never seen any).

The starters seem to be exact replacements for what I took off.

TomZ	06-09-2019 09:52 PM

I just looked through a parts diagram... I do not see anything about a support bracket.

SB	06-09-2019 09:57 PM

This is what will happen without the brackets (#3)..ie:.grind, grind, grind.
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/...y/31808/961/10

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...7ce9605aec.gif

SB	06-09-2019 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomZ (Post 4691020)

I just looked through a parts diagram... I do not see anything about a support bracket.

What year + model/hp engine or VIN ?

TomZ	06-09-2019 10:06 PM

The flywheel housing is a 88 420 TRS B/W 72c.

I’m assuming the starters are original, but there are no brackets. Not even sure of where the bracket bolts to from the starter.

Full Force

06-09-2019 10:13 PM

I have same on my SSM, no brackets, same as my 2 different TRS boats never seen a bracket, what does it bolt to?

SB	06-09-2019 10:19 PM

Sorry. I missed the 420hp TRS part. Your starters don't bolt to the engine blocks, therefore my info is invalid. someday I'll read better. Doh !

MILD THUNDER

06-10-2019 01:08 PM

You got the proper rotation?

F-2 Speedy

06-10-2019 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MILD THUNDER (Post 4691142)

You got the proper rotation?

CCR I believe for the rear mount bellhousing ?

motor

06-10-2019 07:30 PM

DB starters are junk .You get what you pay for .My past experience and opinion

TomZ	06-10-2019 08:41 PM

That’s not good to hear. Care to elaborate? I haven’t used their starters but have had great luck with their alternators.

SB	06-10-2019 09:17 PM

I hear how bad the starters are too, but I probably have 30-40-50+ out their in the field. Cars/trucks mostly...maybe 6-8 boats? More?
But really all/most are the small PMG block mount type.

Have had tons of problems with napa starters/alternators for the last 30 yrs or so :(

Your 'mileage' (experience) may vary.

ctuck0659

06-22-2019 08:41 PM

I've had a DB Electric starter on 1 of my engs for 3-4 years now with no issues.

TomZ	06-24-2019 11:07 AM

The guys at DB have been helpful with regard to returns if needed. I'm going to swap the two starters side-to-side to see if anything changes. The port starter has decided to cooperate, but the starboard side seems very tight. I may end up returning one for a swap. We shall see.

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