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90HP Mercury starter jammed

B

BM0

New member
Hello

I bought a boat with an old Mercury 90HP 2 stroke and was told the starter sometimes sticks but to stick a spanner on the top bolt to free it.

I had it running a few weeks ago but now the top bolt is totally stuck. I’ve tried to take the starter off, but the bolts don’t look like they have ever been off and were going to round if I put too much pressure on them.

Anyone able to advise? I assume the starter will need replaced but I’m worried about snapping the bolts holding it in place.
 
A good penetrating oil like Kroil on the bolts. let it sit for a day. Then get an impact wrench and suitable socket and set the wrench to low impact and hammer on them some. If no response, more oil and increase the pressure. I have always had better luck with impacts rather than brute force twisting moment when fasteners resist removal.....never had one twist off with impact pressure. If you don't have an impact, or choose not to get one, I have used a suitable boxed end wrench and a hammer smacking the end of the wrench. Heat helps to unseat stubborn bolts but I don't see that as an option with adjacent things that could be damaged.
 
I use a little Harbor Freight Hercules 20Volt impact driver for stuff like this and agree with Texasmark, works much better than brute force. Worth every penny!
 
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