Merc. General Parts VS. GM Parts.

[mikey.himself]

I have a 5.7 Mercruiser V8, an engine built by GM supplied to mercury for their I/O. Now, I have a problem. I need to replace my starter cause it crapped out, so I'm trying to figure out if there is ANY difference from the GM starter, and the Mercury-GM-Bought starter besides the overpriced dealer mark-up starter. Yes? No? If so, what is it?

The starter for an 88 5.7 is virtually identical. I'm just wondering.

It goes in an 89 Rinker Fiesta Vee.

Thanks in advance,
Mikey

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc. General Parts VS. GM Parts.

You need a MARINE starter, not an automotive. The marine starter is spark protected to Coast Guard specs to prevent sparks that could ignite any fuel vapors in the bilge.

 

[Robj]

Re: Merc. General Parts VS. GM Parts.

Read my post about using automotive ignition parts on a boat. It answers the question very well. I would take your old starter to a starter repair shop and get it rebuilt. It is cheaper than new. But as Don says, make sure it is a Marine starter.

Have a great day,

Rob.