1996 rinker with 3.0 starter question

[Foulon11]

So my starter just starter clicking repeatedly and I checked everything to make sure it wasn't something simple. Long story short I took it apart and the gears inside are shot. I know it's not the best idea to use a auto starter in a boat. But my question is can I pick up a auto starter and take it apart and take the gears out and replace them in my starter? If so which one would be compatible? Thanks for your help in advance

 

[andrewterri]

Is there any reason you do not want to just buy a new one there are several I have seen for less than 100 and as low as 60, or even buy a used one off ebay for cheaper? To answer your question I am not sure but someone will chime in. Boat electronics are different than auto's in the sense of internal coatings among other things to prevent sparking. I am not sure if it will work as I have never tried.

 

[Foulon11]

I have one on order but have boating plans tomorrow and the 4th and the new one won't be in til then. I understand that they are different. I would only be using the internal gears out of the auto one nothing electrical.

 

[tpenfield]

Never mind 'not being the best idea using an automotive starter in a boat' It should be totally out of the question

Andrew is on the right track - all of the electrical in the engine compartment must be rated for protection against sparks - SAE J1171 It is also a legal requirement of boats per USCG regs, etc.

The reason is that a boat has no good way of dissipating fuel fumes as compared to cars and trucks. Therefore a concentration of fumes can collect in the hull, and since fumes are heavier than air, they have no place to go. That is why boats have blower systems to pull air out of the engine compartment and draw fresh air in.

I am not sure if you could perform the transplant that you described and maintain the spark protection. However, the engine is basically a GM 3.0 4 cylinder, so the starter would be along those lines.