Help me to choose a engine starter

[taotaoli]

My mechanic told me that I need to replace the engine starter since it's dead. He is charging me $335 for parts and $240 for labor. I thought the parts was too expensive so I would like to buy from internet. Can anybody recommend me a starter over the internet? The engine is mecruiser. The model number is MCM 5.0liter/lx. The engine searial number is 0F294362, The boat is 1996 monterey 296. By the way, is his charge reasonable? Thanks for the help.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Help me to choose a engine starter

The starter price seems high but the labor really depends on access in the boat.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Help me to choose a engine starter

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Keep in mind that a professional marine repair tech or shop will tend to use the more expensive OEM parts, because they want and need to stand behind their work and the parts they use. So, you will pay more for the parts if you have the work done for you.

The opportunity to save money on repairs is to go the DIY route and assume the risk of less than OEM quality of parts along with possibly inexperience in the repair process.

I spent 4 hours doing my first starter replacement, but was able to shave that down to about 2.5 hours on my second. So $240 may be reasonable for labor, depending on the labor rate, etc. boats are difficult to work on in general IMO.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Help me to choose a engine starter

My mechanic told me that I need to replace the engine starter since it's dead. He is charging me $335 for parts and $240 for labor. I thought the parts was too expensive so I would like to buy from internet. Can anybody recommend me a starter over the internet? The engine is mecruiser. The model number is MCM 5.0liter/lx. The engine searial number is 0F294362, The boat is 1996 monterey 296. By the way, is his charge reasonable? Thanks for the help.

:welcome: to iboats

The Merc starter can be found here
Mercruiser PG260 Marine Engine Starter | Performance Product Technologies

The Sierra starter can be found here
Starter for Mercruiser 50-12177A2 50-99418A2, OMC Sterndrive Cobra 984456 986505, GLM 74140 - Sierra 18-5910 - iboats

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Help me to choose a engine starter

Here's a new marine starter for only $55. I have ordered from them before and have had good success with their parts. Like others mentioned - it may be a chore getting to your starter - or easy - depending upon the access in your particular boat.

 

[HorizonblueDK]

Re: Help me to choose a engine starter

Don't purchase a "made in China" starter or anything vital (from China) that won't get you back to shore, if it fails.............