1991 3.0 mercury marine starter

[1991 glasstream]

I have a 1991 glasstream boat with 3.0 mercury mercruiser I/O my starter went, can you buy them at AutoZone or auto parts store instead of marine place to save money? Or suggestions where to buy online? Thank you in advance, it looks like a chevy style starter to me, i bought a remanufactured one years back, my old one had a bracket that bolted to engine block but the one they sold me didn't need the bracket and i never had problems, i had my boat serviced a few weeks back and when i picked it up the plug was left in and water up over the starter so now its shot, i don't feel like fighting with marine place to get a new one i just want to purchase one asap so i can be on the water!

 

[Chris1956]

The starter must be Marine-rated, or it can cause a fire. You can save some $$ if you can get a marine starter at an Autozone or other Auto parts place. Some will stock them, some will order them and some will tell you to get lost.

The starter will look very much like an automotive one, from the outside. The interior will have some spark shielding to keep your boat from exploding, should some gasoline fumes stay in the bilge, when you try to start the motor.

I used to buy re-built marine starters for my MerCruiser, but had trouble with them. I suspected the master solenoids were worn on them. I now recommend new marine starters.

 

[Alumarine]

I think the bracket is important. It might relieve some of the stress on the main mounting bolts or block.

 

[1991 glasstream]

I put a new starter on it, it starts more consistent, but i think that slave solenoid is bad o hear it clicking when i turn the key, sometimes i keep turning ignition switch quickly and it starts but most of time a lot of clicking noise coming from that little solenoid at the back of the motor. All wire connections are clean. Are slave solenoids cheap? I just want to use this darn boat lol. Thank you for responses.

 

[Chris1956]

Slave solenoids are cheap. Replace it and see if that solves your issue. I had the same (or similar issue). I never did find out what the real issue was. I suspect a bad master solenoid, but never proved it. Was the starter you bought new or rebuilt?