How long does a starter last?

[smokey99]

Hi Folks,
I am on a tight budget right now but don't want to be silly either.

The engine is out of my boat to replace the oil pan.

The engine is a mercruiser 5.0 L (2003)

The mechanic asked if I want him to change the starter motor while he has the engine out.
The starter has given me no trouble, but if I don't change it, and it does quite, it will probably cost $250 more in labor if when the engine is in the boat (its a beach to get to).

Do I spend the $400 to change it now, or wait and maybe cost me $700 later if it quits,

The boat doesn't get a lot of use. I would estimate it get started 100 times per season I guess in its life around 1000 starts.

Opinions? Spend it now on a tight budget, or later .

How many years would you estimate between starter changes?

Thanks folks
Scott

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: How long does a starter last?

I wouldn't worry about it...

Assuming the boat has been taken care of, 1000 starts (which is more important than calendar age) is not that much. Think of an auto starter and how many cycles it lasts for perspective.

 

[achris]

Re: How long does a starter last?

Don't change it. Have the existing one properly overhauled by a proper Auto-sparkie shop, NOT the marine mechanic.

And it'll cost a lot less than $400..

Chris....

 

[smokey99]

Re: How long does a starter last?

Thanks Guys, I appreciate your input.
The biggest problem is access to it.
While the engine is out, its easy, once the motor is back in its a few hours to RE & Re

 

[achris]

Re: How long does a starter last?

...The biggest problem is access to it.
While the engine is out, its easy, once the motor is back in its a few hours to RE & Re

Sounds like every boat I've ever worked on....

 

[gm280]

Re: How long does a starter last?

There is a place around here that only works on starter solenoids, alternators, generators, and batteries. And they refurbish them with new bearings and brushes for a fraction of new. There is probably a place like that around where you live I'm sure. I would take the starter while the engine is out and find such a place to do that to yours for peace of mind if nothing more. And I can't see how your starter would cost $400 dollars... Of course I’d refurbish my own, but that is just me...

 

[smokey99]

Re: How long does a starter last?

LOL I guess I was stating the obvious
Thanks guys
Scott

 

[smokey99]

Re: How long does a starter last?

Thanks guys, I told him to put it back in as is.

I appreciate all your input.
Scott

 

[achris]

Re: How long does a starter last?

...Do I spend the $400 to change it now, ...

Just looked up your engine and check the price of an OEM starter motor...

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...798.png&inbr=8182&bnbr=10&bdesc=Starter+Motor

That starter motor from Mercury is only $220.... I think I'd be sitting down and having a very serious chat to your mechanic... Then finding a new shop to take the boat to.

I've heard of 'mark-up', but $220 to $400, that's a bit insulting!

Chris.....
BTW. There would be NO extra labour involved to change it while he's replacing the oil pan. The old stater has to be removed to get the oil pan off anyway....

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: How long does a starter last?

One question, do you boat in salt or fresh water and where do you store the boat?

I boat in salt water and store my boat on a lift. I change my starter often, as much as once a year ( 2000 5.0) I/O in salt gets expensive.

You can get after market starters for around $80-90. If you boat in salt water I would replace it while you can and save your current starter as a spare. With the engine out of the boat it is a 15 min job at most - don't get hosed on the cost and labor. If you boat in fresh water I would not worry.

 

[smokey99]

Re: How long does a starter last?

The quote for the starter was actually 332, I am also in Canada, which mean we often get screwed with higher prices
With tax and everything else it will be close to 400.

Just looked up your engine and check the price of an OEM starter motor...

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...798.png&inbr=8182&bnbr=10&bdesc=Starter+Motor

That starter motor from Mercury is only $220.... I think I'd be sitting down and having a very serious chat to your mechanic... Then finding a new shop to take the boat to.

I've heard of 'mark-up', but $220 to $400, that's a bit insulting!

Chris.....
BTW. There would be NO extra labour involved to change it while he's replacing the oil pan. The old stater has to be removed to get the oil pan off anyway....

 

[achris]

Re: How long does a starter last?

I boat in salt. The current starter motor is original (2006). My previous engine (now in a friend's boat) is also the original (1994!!!). If you want peace of mind, just have the existing one overhauled. Or buy a genuine one. But $400 from your mechanic is stretching it... He's ripping you off!

 

[smokey99]

Re: How long does a starter last?

I boat in salt water, and keep in on a trailer.

One question, do you boat in salt or fresh water and where do you store the boat?

I boat in salt water and store my boat on a lift. I change my starter often, as much as once a year ( 2000 5.0) I/O in salt gets expensive.

You can get after market starters for around $80-90. If you boat in salt water I would replace it while you can and save your current starter as a spare. With the engine out of the boat it is a 15 min job at most - don't get hosed on the cost and labor. If you boat in fresh water I would not worry.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How long does a starter last?

Since you have limited budget, you may want to start doing some of the maintenance and repairs yourself. So, if the starter were to go in a year or two, you could replace it for about 1/2 the cost of the mechanic.

 

[Thomv]

Re: How long does a starter last?

I am doing mine with a genuine one and it was $199 shipped.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: How long does a starter last?

Sounds like your real problem is water in the bilge. Keep that starter and oil pan dry!