Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

So i was gifted a 1977 glastron with a inline 6 165 mericruiser. The boat is in bad shape. It needs for sure a new floor and stringers. The boat has never been in the ocean and has been sitting for about 5 years. I wanted to try to start the moter and do a compression check. Ok I charged the batt and turned the ignition the moter turned but didn't catch. We pulled the filter off the carb to spray starter fluid. Tried the to start again and nothing happened. No clicks nothing.
I noticed that the solinoid cap was cracked and in bad shape. Also my friend messsed with the shifter when we tried to start the second time. So I'm not sure if that could have caused it. I pulled the solinoid to replace it.
So this is my question. I don't even know if I'm going to keep boat!
A basic rebuilt starter ( not marine) costs $40 if I give them my old delco remy starter.
Now if I keep the boat should I keep the delco remy and rebuild it. Do I have to have a marine starter. If so why. Because of fume build up. Napa will give me $16 for my old starter. Can I use the parts of the $40 starter in the delco. Such as the solinoid.
I do have the manual that mercruiser put out for that delco.
Thanks

Re: Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

Hi guys:

I guess you're trying to decide whether or not to keep the boat and rebuild it, eh? Sadly, there's no easy answer to what you're asking:

(i) You need to have marine parts only, that includes starter, alternator, fuel pump, carb etc, etc. There's absolutely no advantage to getting automotive either in the short or long term. If you trade in your old marine parts for a rebuilt automotive at a low price you've still got automotive.
(ii) If you carefully go through all the systems one by one on the engine as noted in the "stickies" on the I/O section you'll be able to make sure your motor is either good or bad.
(iii) The inline 6 is a great motor and is usually repairable. The boat however, is another story but if you check on the other rebuilding threads I know you'll get some ideas.

Good Luck and welcome to iboats.

kilowatts

Re: Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

Do I have to have a marine starter. If so why.

Click to expand...

yes. marine starters are spark suppressing. what you don't want is a stray spark mixing with possible fuel fume build up from fuel leaks. fuel fumes and sparks are a bomb. fuel fumes in a bilge have no where to go. that's why there is a blower on your i/o. you run that blower for 5 min. prior to turning the key. + have a sniff in the bilge to be sure no fuel fumes are congregating. if they are. one little spark and kaboom... on the water there's no where for you to run either.
i'd be hesitant to try anything that isn't spark suppressing on your i/o.
most all electrical and fuel components on your boat will be uscg approved. if not they may be auto parts. peripheral (bolt on) auto parts and boats should not be used.....

Re: Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

I definitely agree with the above.

Before you start spending any money at all on this engine, I would suggest making a decision on whether it is going to be worth it to spend the time and money is sounds like this boat is going to require. Sometimes the most expensive boat is a free boat!

Re: Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

Thanks guys. Well l the best thing about a free boat is that I'm learning a lot and havent spent any money YET. Ive owned inflatables with outboards. stuff you can launch from the beach. The boat is a 1977 18' glastron. So I'll keep the delco remy starter and rebuild it. Can I use a basic auto silanod because mine is completely cracked, the part looks identical. Should I use a bead of gasket sealer so it's more weather proof?

Re: Delco remy starter question for inline 6 165.

The basic difference between the delco marine and auto starter is that the marine version has a sealing boot between the drive and the interior where the armature and brushes are. If my memory is correct the boot extends up to where the solinoid bolts to the starter head so it is also sealed off. Pretty sure the actual solinoid is the same.