Picking the right starter..?

[SWFLBoater]

Well thanks to this forum I was able to fix the problem with water leaking into my boat, but unfortunately it wasn't before it got in my starter and completely ruined it.

Ive been searching for the starter I need for my engine, but as it turns out there is like 30 that will work. They range from $60ish to $215+. So my question is which one is right for me? I figured there would be no better place to ask.

I have a Mercruiser 4.3LX/V6 Alpha one the year of my hull is 1994 and I believe this is the original engine (Im the 3rd owner). Ive found a lot of starters that will work for it, but I want to know what the best is. I use the vessel about once a week sometimes not that often, so I don't think I need a high performance starter but I don't know.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Just take your to your friendly local rebuilder.

Do not use an automotive starter. Explosion hazard.

 

[CaptainHook]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

The best bet would be to have the engine model/serial information handy and give your local dealer a call and ask about the starter. Then ask them for the part # "so it doesn't need to be looked up again when you come in to buy" and see what kind of price you can find!!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Ive been searching for the starter I need for my engine, but as it turns out there is like 30 that will work. They range from $60ish to $215+. So my question is which one is right for me?

Ayuh,... Actually,.. There's a Couple that'll fit, work,+ be Right...
Although you may have found 30 suppliers...

As noted, a Rebuilder maybe able to recon the old 1, but it appears your probably boatin' in the Salt...
iboats, no doubt has a marine unit that'll fit your motor, at a fair price...

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

I replaced my '94 starter last year when it left us floating on the lake. I took it to a rebuilder and they looked at it and said yes we can rebuild it for $80. So I instead bought a new one off eBay from DBElectronics for $70ish and have put 120 hours on it since then.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

My local rebuilder was a little expensive, but they also gave the new starter some sort of heavy duty anti-corrosion coating that it didn't have originally, might be worth looking into.

It cost about $150 or so to rebuild, if I recall correctly, but in my case new ones were NLA, so I didn't have a choice.

 

[GopherPride23]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

I'm in the same boat (haha no pun intended). I don't know what starter to buy. I was told by a boat mechanic that paying the extra money for a marine starter really isnt neccesary. I told him that many people said ONLY use a marine starter vs. on bought from AutoZone or similar place. He said that was bogus and to just pick one up at a local auto parts store. I have a 1987 Starcraft with a 4.3. What do you guys think?

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Gas fumes settle to the low areas. About where you starter is. If you use the autmotive starter I would take some marshmallows along also.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

I was told by a boat mechanic that paying the extra money for a marine starter really isnt neccesary. I told him that many people said ONLY use a marine starter vs. on bought from AutoZone or similar place.
What do you guys think?

Ayuh,... I think he gave himself the Title, as he's most assuredly Unqualified....

Gasoline fumes are Heavier than air,+ sink into the bilge,...
One spark,+ it's,...Boom....

 

[83vert]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

I just purchased a brand new starter right here at iboats, the cheapest around. Anyone that tells you to use a automotive starter has no clue.

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Iboats and DB Electrical are good places to get the starter I wound up getting mine from Dbelectrical. And as said above what ever you do DO NOT use an automotive Starter,Alt.Distributer. I dont like hearing about people going BOOM.

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Hi, just curious (the inquisitive part of me). I understand the spark implications of a standard DC starter with brushes etc. How do marine rated starters get around this issue? Extra capacitors? Alternators get around most of this by converting AC to DC through diodes with only small amounts of DC needed to power the rotor.

Did some rebuilding of starters, generators and starters while working my way through school.

Just curious?

Thanks,
Fishing56

 

[Bondo]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

Hi, just curious (the inquisitive part of me). I understand the spark implications of a standard DC starter with brushes etc. How do marine rated starters get around this issue? Extra capacitors? Alternators get around most of this by converting AC to DC through diodes with only small amounts of DC needed to power the rotor.

Did some rebuilding of starters, generators and starters while working my way through school.

Just curious?

Thanks,
Fishing56

Ayuh,... The Starters have an extra plate in them to seal the motor...
Alternators use screens in the cooling windows...

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

No matter where or what brand of starter you get the bottom line is if it gets water inside IT'S TOAST!!! Keep the water out.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Picking the right starter..?

I'd stick with one of the better aftermaket brands like Sierra, Arco or MES....I have an MES starter on my old '88 that I bought from a local retailer for about 150 that's worked great for the past 3 seasons...just make sure when you install it that you coat the terminals with grease after putting them on and also check your drain on the exhaust manifold because some installations can leak water right on to those terminals and corrode them fast...and while you're at it...take a good look at your battery cables...if they look corroded replace em including the ground cable that most people forget about...because running a starter through corroded connections that drop the voltage will also shorten its life...