Mercruiser 180 Starter Master Solenoid Issue

[royhardin]

My starter is not working on my Mercruiser 180. I checked both solenoids and while the remote is fine, the master one on the starter has failed. I can easily remove the master solenoid from the starter without taking the starter out. It is a much more difficult problem to remove the starter itself, so I am hoping that I can just replace the solenoid.

I went to the local NAPA auto store and they have two choices for the solenoid. One is a standard GM/Delco solenoid and one is a marine solenoid. It looks like they are both the same unit. But they only have the Delco unit and couldn't get the marine one in for several days. Also, the marine unit is about twice as much. The NAPA guy says he has sold a few of both to boat owners and has never heard of any problems.

Of course, if I was replacing the whole starter, I would plan to buy a marine sealed unit. But when I look at the solenoid, I don't see any issues where the unit itself would need to be sealed separately. Comparing the two side by side (the old one and the new Delco) shows the only visible difference is paint on the Delco one. So, the only other issue I can see is if I need to do something special to reseal the solenoid to starter interface when I install it back into the starter.

I have seen some discussion here about Delco versus OEM solenoids, and I think that it seems that going with the Delco replacement would be fine. But I don't want to create a dangerous situation. I do use the blower very religiously before starting - but why tempt fate? But I also don't want to do more than I have to as it is one thing to replace the solenoid (and I can use the boat this weekend) and another to replace the starter (a few weeks at best) or even using a marine solenoid (at least an extra week).

Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, I would be happy to hear them.

Thanks

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser 180 Starter Master Solenoid Issue

If the starter solenoid is clicking but the starter is not working, chances are that the contact is burned. As I recall it is a large copper washer (contact ring), and can be turned over to give a fresh contact surface. You may be able to freshen up the old solenoid. Good luck.

 

[royhardin]

Re: Mercruiser 180 Starter Master Solenoid Issue

Hi,

I was hoping it was just the contacts, but it is just dead. Even with it pulled and voltage directly applied, it won't work. So, I have to replace the solenoid. The starter seems fine otherwise - of course once I get a new solenoid back in, the starter will probably decide to not work.

There were no markings on the solenoid at all to identify it as marine grade. And I wasn't able to find out a difference from any suppliers I spoke with. They all focused on the starter itself - not the solenoid issue. After some research, I found a USCG manual which seems to describe the difference. Apparently, there is an ozone vent hole in an automotive solenoid that is sealed up in a marine solenoid. At least this gives me some information. So, I figure if I get a marine solenoid (hopefully sooner than a week) and just seal the joint to the starter - silicon maybe - I should be fine. There is a gasket that I will use as well, but the extra sealant should help. And everything will be marine grade - even if there is nothing that says it is. I will know though.

Thanks