1981 merc 140 starter drag

[Michael Clayton]

My brothers boat left us drifting down the river the other day, engine cranks too slow to start. We load tested battery which is good, connections are good, dynamic voltage drop tests were good. My question is since this is a GM 2.5 liter engine, can I just get a automotive starter for an 81 2.5 liter engine from my local auto parts store, or are the blocks different and will not bolt up? Thanks!

 

[DJ]

Re: 1981 merc 140 starter drag

Pike,<br /><br />Sure the auto starter may fit, but it may also KILL you and yours.<br /><br />Auto starters are not sealed, marine starters are. <br /><br />Marine starters work in an environment that can and often do have fuel fumes floating around. You get the picture, fuel vapor and spark. Not a pretty picture.<br /><br />Don't do it.

 

[Michael Clayton]

Re: 1981 merc 140 starter drag

you're obviously not familiar with the "BLOWER" switch in the cockpit are you? That is supposed to be used before every restart. Those blower motors also have commutators and brushes that spark and neither are spark proof. I'm having my old starter rebuilt, so "you and yours" can sleep easy there

 

[DJ]

Re: 1981 merc 140 starter drag

Pike,<br /><br />I'm very familiar with them (blowers). They are USCG approved for spark retention.<br /><br />Just trying to give some advice that would help protect you. If that offended you, sorry.

 

[Michael Clayton]

Re: 1981 merc 140 starter drag

Not offended DJ, your advise is greatly appreciated, evidently that is the sole purpose of the uscg approved blower motors, the O.E. starter that I pulled is a Delco-Remy. Being an employee of AC Delco, I ran the numbers...It is the same part # for an 81 S-10 pickup with a 2.5 liter engine! Anyway, I pulled the starter, it failed the bench test severely. But your advise does raise some concerns, my blower is fully functional, but I'm going to seal the seams with high-temp silicone. Thanks! Happy Boating!