Awful grinding noise is back
 

Well, I made a post back in July regarding an awful grinding noise when attempting to start it.

It was resolved by tightening up the starter bolts. Well, the issue is back and it sounds awful. I'm not trying anymore to start it in fear of hurting it. It started earlier and sounded great.... warmed it up and got delayed. Went to start it in 5 minutes, but had that awful grinding noise. Checked the starter to see if it came loose, no. I'm guessing I need a new one...

Nothing to do for diagnosing except remove this one, correct? I mean wtf else could it be?

Could be the flywheel teeth are worn. Happens when water sits in the bilge and rust an area on the flywheel when boat sits unused. Starter pinion gear tries to engage the flywheel but grinds as the teeth are worn.
Hard to inspect the flywheel without removing the lower plate or starter.
Could also be that while your starter was loose the last time the pinion gear was worn from the excessive play. Each time you tried to start it that way resulted in wear to the starter pinion gear and the flywheel.
I would start by removing the starter and inspecting the pinion gear and shining a light where the starter mounts and inspecting the flywheel. Turn the motor at the crank pulley and inspect the flywheel all the way around. My guess is you will find your answer between those two.
B

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Yep.

Starter it is... flywheel is in nice shape, teeth look good and virtually no rust. Looking at starters now, anyone recommend the perfect one? I'm looking at Sierra now.

When I first got the boat, it needed a starter and two batteries. I didn't know anything and bough the cheapest one I could find on eBay I think it was $70. That was 4 years ago. So here I am and would like to buy a decent one without spending too much. Seems $150 - $190 is the going rate.

I bought a starter from D B electrical for a 200 Johnson Ocean Runner. The service was good and the price was reasonable.


https://www.dbelectrical.com/

D B electrical has been good for me too. Bought a starter and alternator from them and has been good so far. Good prices too.