Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

[sgombotz]

Hi - this is my first post - been doing a lot of reading though - great site!

I have a 1993 Mercrusier 3.0. Last weekend it would no longer start - I get a definite "click" when turning key to starting position.

I think my starter solenoid is bad or going bad. Here?s what I?ve done:

Using Don. S's awesome troubleshooter - http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

1. I get a click from the slave solenoid when trying to start.
2. Using a voltmeter I verified that all terminals on the slave solenoid are getting 12V at appropriate times ? i.e. Terminal A all the time, Terminal B and C when the key is in start position.
3. Neither hooking wires B and C together nor jump Terminals A and B get the engine to crank. moved to the starter soleniod...
4. I verified that the lead coming from the slave solenoid on the starter gets 12V when the key is in start position (i.e. Terminal B on the starter).
5. If while holding the key in start position, I gently tap the starter solenoid with a wrench, it will engage and the engine will crank and start.

The above results have led me to believe that the starter soleniod is bad. Once the starter is engaged it cranks the engine correctly.

My question is can I just buy and replace the starter solenoid on my engine?s starter? Or does the whole starter need to be replaced?

Also, I've seen references to a permenant magnetic starter - how do I know I mine is one of these.

Thanks in advance!

Steve

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

Or does the whole starter need to be replaced?

Ayuh,... That's how it's done normally....

 

[sgombotz]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

Thanks for the reply -

So based on what I stated above - a new stater should fix me up? Would it be worth having this starter rebuilt i.e. when they rebuild it will they fix \ replace the starter seloniod?

Thanks!
Steve

 

[SuperDaddy]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

It is quite common to have them rebuilt. Much cheaper, too.

 

[sgombotz]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

Thanks!

What would I look for in the yellow pages to find a local shop that can rebuild it. Would they have to specialize in marine starters - if they do auto starters would they be able to do this? What's a ballpark price for getting it rebuilt so I can compare to buying a new one - westmarine has the serria rebuilt starter for my engine for about $180.

Thanks!
Steve

 

[pjrogers]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

I had a '92 3.0L Mercruiser; after a couple of years of use, the starter's torque broke the bolts that held it to the engine. When I got it fixed, the dealer told me to buy a little Mercruiser kit containing a bracket which is designed to support the end of the starter. You might consider looking into whether your starter could benefit from that kit too - it was cheap and much better than discovering in the middle of the lake that your starter has come free of the engine block.

 

[SuperDaddy]

Re: Can I replace starter soleniod in 1993 Mercrusier 3.0

Thanks!

What would I look for in the yellow pages to find a local shop that can rebuild it. Would they have to specialize in marine starters - if they do auto starters would they be able to do this? What's a ballpark price for getting it rebuilt so I can compare to buying a new one - westmarine has the serria rebuilt starter for my engine for about $180.

Thanks!
Steve

Not sure where you are, but you'll likely find a small shop that rebuilds alternators, starters, small electric motors (like exhaust fans), etc. within a reasonable distance. If you're lucky, it'll be in your town. If you are near a larger city, I can almost guarantee it. I live in the middle of nowhere and there is one near me. Small, grimy shop with two great guys that rebuild starters and alternators reliably.

As for what to look up, I would say "automobile repair" or "automotive parts" or something like that to get you in the "general" direction. You can even call a parts supply house (NAPA, etc) and ask them if they know of any rebuilders, most likely they do. Call around and ask (Dealership parts dept. maybe?). Even call a marina and ask about starters. I did (because I wanted to actually buy a marine starter), and found out that a vast majority have the starters they service sent out for rebuild rather than charge you for a new one (so they didnt have any in stock).

And yes, an automotive starter/alternator rebuild shop will work on a marine starter for you. If you find one that didnt, I would be VERY surprised.

Expect to pay *about* $50.00 (at the most).

edit: You might also want to check eBay. Have your part number ready (to check the eBay listings descriptions). You may find some in the $50-$70 range plus shipping for a marine starter. Check www.mercruiserparts.com to find the part number you need. I am guessing 50-80965A4 or something similar.