Alpha One 3.0 Starter questions

Dfweasel

Cadet
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Aug 1, 2020
Messages
7
Alpha One MCM 3.0 LX Engine serial # 0F281487, Drive serial # 0F179935. I want to swap out the starter but i keep coming up with two options and don't know which one is the right one. Can someone tell me the correct OEM starter part # so i can order the correct one?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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There are 2 starters for the 153 tooth flywheel. A direct drive and a PMGR. These have a straight across bolt pattern

There are 2 starters for a 267 tooth flywheel. A direct drive and a PMGR. These have a staggered pattern.

Since you don't list a year or serial number, look to see what you have
 

Dfweasel

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Aug 1, 2020
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I dont know the year and i did list the serial #. The boat is three hours away and i can't look at it until next weekend and want to order a starter before heading back to the water.
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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Any idea what year your boat is? That might give us an idea which starter you need.
 

Dfweasel

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Aug 1, 2020
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18 Foot Rinker. Not sure of the model. Recently took ownership from a relative. If i could get the right one ordered that would be awesome. Already went thru the wiring and the starter relay and battery, only thing left is the starter.
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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There was an engine rear main change where the diameter of the flywheel got larger. These engine have a staggered bolt pattern. All engines before that had a straight pattern.
Hopefully someone on this site can use your serial # to get you the right starter.
Permanet magnet gear reduction.
 

Dfweasel

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Aug 1, 2020
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Thanks Nola Mike! I know I sound like a hack but has anyone bought one of these from amazon at a discounted price and had good luck? There may be other things wrong that will require major costs so trying to keep the small stuff cheap just in case
 

Kola16

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Jun 23, 2019
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Is post number 2 viewable to anyone else?
Lots of people buy amazon starters. They buy them every year because the starter they buy off amazon quits working after a year. Smart strategy by amazon selling you a new cheaply made product every year.

I don't consider a starter on an inboard "small stuff." You are literally dead in the water without a starter. Buy the OEM starter or another reputable marine starter brand like Sierra.
 

Dfweasel

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Joined
Aug 1, 2020
Messages
7
That funny Kola!! You're right, i can see your post now!! I skipped right over it. WTF. Does anyone have the service manual for this engine. I hvae service manual 26, but i think thats for newer models.
 
Last edited:

nola mike

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Apr 22, 2009
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Is post number 2 viewable to anyone else?
Lots of people buy amazon starters. They buy them every year because the starter they buy off amazon quits working after a year. Smart strategy by amazon selling you a new cheaply made product every year.

I don't consider a starter on an inboard "small stuff." You are literally dead in the water without a starter. Buy the OEM starter or another reputable marine starter brand like Sierra.
Ha, I missed it as well. I've had good luck with starters/alternators from dbelectrical
 

ScottinAZ

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 25, 2009
Messages
831
with the Amazon stuff, how long it lasts depends on your environment. If your bilge is dry, and you dont keep the boat on the water, it will last longer than if you run wet, and store it at the lake. This goes for factory parts as well, BUT the mean time before failure on the factory part is likely going to be years longer than the aftermarket parts. One other thing to consider is that aftermarket part may not really be "marinized"... they will say it is, BUT since its a "cheap" knockoff, do you really trust it deep down in your bilge where the fumes collect..... Should something go sideways, is that company going to stand behind their product? Moral of the story, buy once, and cry once.... get the good quality parts and be done with it. Even on a 3.0 that starter isnt so much fun you want to keep doing it......
 
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