how can i prevent the Starter from Salt water?

NASSAR

Cadet
Joined
Aug 16, 2018
Messages
14
Hello, i have a I/O Volvo PENTA 4.3GL and a Sierra starter that i changed four times now within 3 months, i use my boat in the ocean and my mechanic says that salt water is getting in the starter that cause it to jam and not work. how can i prevent that from happening as water will always get in the hull somehow, i installed a larger automatic bilge bump but it didnt help. i have couple of questions:

1. is there any starters in the market that are salt-water proof or some sort of cover i can place over the starter?
2. can i rinse my starter with fresh water?


ps. my starter is placed at the bottom of my engine.


thank you in advance :)
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,464
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Ya gotta stop the water from gettin' into the boat,.... Period,.....

Starters die when they go swimmin',.....
Don't matter whether it's brine, or freshwater,......
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
40,581
^^^Agree

How is the water getting to the starter?
Do you have a leak or is it splash and drain onto it?

For questions
1 - no
2 - yes but that will do the same kind of damage
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,296
If water is getting high enough in the bilge to cover your starter, your flywheel and oil pan will soon be rusting too

Water should not be entering the bilge.... Period

You have a leak you need to fix

You have a bilge pump issue you need to fix
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
17,923
How low is the pump mounted in the bilge? Pics?
Some boats have it mounted on a raised block.
Relocate it to the very bottom of the hull.
Be careful not to drill through the hull.
You can silicone it in place.

You can try sealing the starter with a rubber coating but that might help only a little.
No matter how good you seal it? water will get inside.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
15,414
Boeshield T-9 works wonders on these type of thing.

Using it to waterproof my deteriorating trim motor cover with good success for a number of years. Use on wire connects to starter as well.
 
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