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I need to replace the starter on my Volvo 7.4. I have a 1997 Horizon 240. The engine is really tight in the well so how do I get the starter out of the well? I can barely touch it. Thanks.

I've never done one on a big block but I've had the one in mine out a few times. On the small block engines the starter bolts come up from the bottom of the starter into the bottom rear corner of the engine block. You may have to remove the exhaust manifold and riser on that side to get the starter out. You might want to get someone to help you with this as the starter is not light and you are trying to hold it up and get the bolts started at the same time. You can tie a length of heavy twine around the starter, duct tape it to the starter body so it does not slip and have your helper hold it up so you don't have to hold the full weight of it while you start the bolts.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Good advise from LouC. The question is, do you or a friend have the kind of monkey arms it takes to get to the bolts. If you can get it removed, you can probably slide it forward under the oil pan, and lift it out at the front of the engine.

Or:
You might want to cut the floor back near the starter. Yours should be the same as mine, and I know my floor in that area could be cut back nearly 4" away from the engine without affecting the structure. The floor there overhangs out from the nearest floor support stringer by about 4". That is what I am thinking about doing if/when I need to change the starter.

ps. Welcome to the forum. Please post picture of your boat when you can.
What style seating do you have?

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

My boat has very good access to the starter and I used a long 1/2 drive ratchet to reach the bolts. You have to be able to get under the rear most part of the engine to do the starter. I take out 1/2 of the rear seat, and the battery on that side and it takes me about 15 min to get it out.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Well we got the starter out and replaced. Quite the job though. I have U seating at the stern. We had to remove all of that seating plus the backrest in order to get enough access to get an arm in deep enough to get the bolts out and the starter. There is no way on the 7.4 that you could slide the starter out under the oil pan and out the front. There is only about 1/2" clearance between the pulley and the deck at the front of the engine.


Thanks to all who provided suggestions. I do appreciate it. I will post a picture once I get a chance.