Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

[Regal-89]

I have a 4-banger, merc/alpha-1 89'. I am going to replace the starter this winter (sounds like it might be going bad). I know everyone will suggest I stay with marine equipment, but is there really that much difference with the starters? I am just curious because I can get an auto one for less than the marine starter. It being doesn't mean that is what I am going to buy, because I don't want later problems....I just was looking for some suggestions, or facts which is better.

 

[flashback]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Shane, Don't use an automotive starter!! They can cause sparks which can ignite gas fumes in the bilge... bad bad combination......

 

[hoot]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

shane, any starter/alternator rebuilders in your area? a starter can be rebuilt. marine starters have a plate in them that confines the sparking internal to the starter.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Shane,I have one possible word for you,....BOOM

 

[wvit100]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Gas fumes are heavier than air. In a car this works out good because any gas fumes simply sink out the open areas in the frame and dispearse in the open area under the car.<br /><br />However in a boat everything is sealed up. The fumes collect in the the bilge and lay around the bottom of the engine. Any spark can cause an explosion or fire. That is why most inboards have a bilge blower to circulate fresh air into the engine compartment.

 

[Regal-89]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

UM......WELL......OUCH.....FLINCHING, Ok Don't hit me again please! Well, ok it's now being taken off to be replaced with this brand new marine starter. I guess I just should have asked a simpler question....like which oil is best for my motor, you know those questions never go on for days. Just kidding. I now know my answer to the starter. You guys are great for laughs and knowledge.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

If you didn't trade in the old one for the core charge yet, you could have it rebuilt as a backup. Just a thought......

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

If your boat catches fire, the insurance people will be looking for parts that don't comply with the USCG rating. If they find auto parts instead of approved parts, kiss any claim goodbye.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Might as well put in a plug for marine alternators. Same goes for them.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

In addition to the issues mentioned about spark suppresion, if your 4-banger is a 3.7L and has been converted to alternator charging system, the starter should also be equipped with fault protector (about $20). It bolts onto the solenoid attached to the starter to protect against arcing. As everyone said...this is serious stuff. Besides, sealed marine starters and alternators are constructed with different, more non-corrosive materials. Starters in particular are susceptible to corrosion because of their position close to the bilge. Spend the $165 or so bucks for good piece of mind...note that a good rebuild is about $140 for most 4cylinder apps.<br /><br />Here...go buy one, you'll have it in five days.<br /><br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/

 

[Boatist]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Shane<br />I agree with all above but a starter is very easy to repair most of the time. As long as you do not damage the screens you can replace the brushes, bearing and clean and lube the bendix. Even the Starter solenoid can be rebuilt very cheap.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Originally posted by Jack L:<br /> Might as well put in a plug for marine alternators. Same goes for them.

And Carburators and possibly Distributers too. Really just about anything bolted to the block.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Shane, <br />Read this thread:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=009346#000006 <br /><br />Good info there regarding this issue and other related one's.<br />

 

[Regal-89]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Well just to make sure that what I am thinking is the starter going bad. Here is my scenario, when turning the motor over it will click sometimes. Then if I release the key and turn again it will start. Is this the start of a starter going bad??

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Which engine do you have? The 3.0 or 3.7 Merc?<br />Your problem could be the ignition switch wiring, slave solenoid, start solenoid, battery cables corroded, dirty, or loose (Pos or Neg).

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Here is a "Basic" Mercruiser start system wiring diagram.<br /><br />

 

[Regal-89]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

Sorry I never did put which motor I had. I have the 3.0 mercruiser alpha-1.

 

[jlwest63]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

It sounds like a bad starter or it could be a battery starting to go bad. Have the battery load tested before replacing\rebuilding the starter. Any auto parts store can load test it as long as it has a good charge.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Mercruiser Starter Vs. Auto Starter?

I would also check all the wiring for corrosion, bad cables, etc. Easy to check and cheap. You might just find you have corrosion on some terminals.<br /><br />I have seen where the first click seems to "burn off" some of the corrosion so the second key turn works.<br /><br />Try starting then shutdown and feel the connections for heat. That would be a sign of a problem spot. I had the wire near the end of a battery cable corrode so bad that I could not start. It was under heat shrink tubing so you could not see it, but boy was it hot after trying to start.