76 sleekcraft w 455 olds starter problem

[dcthahn]

I have a jet boat with a 455 olds. I believe the starter solenoid is bad. how do i remove the starter and solenoid. I have removed the manifold. It appears the only way is to remove the cover plate on the back of the engine which also appears to act as the rear engine support. Please advise.
Thank you

[OldSleekOlds]

The starter is held on with 2 bolts that go straight up from the bottom. There could be shims between the starter and the block. Sometimes after market starters need to be shimmed to get proper flywheel gear clearance. You don't need to remove any covers.

Be sure you have a "Marine" starter. It's just sealed up better so that gasoline fumes can't be ignited when you start the motor.