Going through starters

[Blairsville]

I have a 2001 Mercruiser 5.7. Two years ago, the starter was acting up, so I replaced it. (it would not always engage and would grind against the gears on the flywheel. I accidentally replaced that starter with an automotive starter. The boat started great all season with the automotive starter. Over the winter, I had some work done to the outride and we discovered the automotive starter and replaced it with a marine starter. (I realize the marine starter is safer. The automotive starter was a mistake.). About three weeks later, the new marine starter started acting up like the original one. Is there any reason an automotive starter would not have the same issues as a marine starter? I have the original marine starter and the teeth are deformed. I have not pulled the current starter yet.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Check the starter bolts for tightness,....

The differences 'tween automotive, 'n marine are purely internal in the old style starters, 'n no differences in the PM starters,....

 

[Blairsville]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Check the starter bolts for tightness,....

The differences 'tween automotive, 'n marine are purely internal in the old style starters, 'n no differences in the PM starters,....

Thanks. I will double check them again since that is the most obvious reason. I just found it strange that the automotive starter had no issues.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Is there any reason an automotive starter would not have the same issues as a marine starter? I have the original marine starter and the teeth are deformed. I have not pulled the current starter yet.

coincidence only. unless you bought a really really cheap starter

you most likely have a bad connection. every battery cable connection should be clean and shiny enough your mother-in-law would eat off them.