Mercruiser 233 Starter

Yeldawg

Recruit
Joined
Aug 5, 2024
Messages
3
I need to replace the starter on our 1975 Sea Ray with a Mercruiser 233 so I can continue to ignore replacing the shift cable and just restart the motor every time the shift interrupt switch sticks without getting out a wrench to wack the starter with.... It looks like the original style of starter is no longer made and only ones with the solenoid attached to the starter are available as replacements. I'm not confident this new style will fit, can anyone share some photos with me of a Mercruiser 233 setup with a newer style starter installed?

Pictures of the serial number and starter for reference
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,594
your 233 is a ford. you need a marine starter for a 351. you are describing starters for GM based motors.

you should just bite the bullet and replace the lower shift cable.
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,371
I went most of last year with a balky cable. This year it feels like a real luxury to get into and out of gear (all of them!) without having to finesse the shifter.
 

Yeldawg

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Joined
Aug 5, 2024
Messages
3
your 233 is a ford. you need a marine starter for a 351. you are describing starters for GM based motors.

you should just bite the bullet and replace the lower shift cable.
I will, but most likely this off season. For now I just want a reliable starter.

All I'm seeing for options for 351s have the solenoid on the starter, are you saying I currently have a GM starter on it?
 

kenny nunez

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Joined
Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,290
What you are looking at is the permanent magnet gear drive style. Or PMGR style. They are lighter use less amps snd really spin the engine and easy to install. They come with a wiring kit and instructions. They are easy to wire up.
Sierra Marine #18-5903.
 

Yeldawg

Recruit
Joined
Aug 5, 2024
Messages
3
What you are looking at is the permanent magnet gear drive style. Or PMGR style. They are lighter use less amps snd really spin the engine and easy to install. They come with a wiring kit and instructions. They are easy to wire up.
Sierra Marine #18-5903.
Thanks! The local fisheries supply has a reman one in stock, I'll try it out.
 
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