Starter Bendix?

[tonyjh63]

Launched my boat today...went to crank it up...it cranked, but never would start. It would make this "whirring" sound, as if the starter would keep spinning after releasing the key. A guy who listened to it said it sounded to him like my starter bendix isn't engaging, or it's disengaging too soon. If that is the case, what are my options? He suggested buying a new starter, as it would come with a new bendix and starter solenoid. Also, would an automotive version be the same, or is there an marinized version? Are aftermarket ones good (assuming there is such a thing), or go strictly OEM? Any advice...? Thanks!
Tony

 

[wahlejim]

You need a marine starter. Do not use an automotive one. However, a local auto electric store that specializes in alternators and starters should be able to rebuild the one you have for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one.

 

[tonyjh63]

wahlejim - would that rebuild include this bendix thingie and solenoid? And how hard is it to access and replace this starter/solenoid/bendix on a '99 Mercruiser 4.3? Thanks!
Tony

 

[Bondo]

And how hard is it to access and replace this starter/solenoid/bendix on a '99 Mercruiser 4.3?

Ayuh,..... That depends on just how much "Boat" is in yer way of reachin' the starter,.....

 

[tonyjh63]

When looking online for this starter, it looks like the same one fits several different motors, both Mercruiser and Volvo, V6 and V8 - is this correct? And does a new starter automatically come with a new solenoid and bendix thingie? Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

When looking online for this starter, it looks like the same one fits several different motors, both Mercruiser and Volvo, V6 and V8 - is this correct? And does a new starter automatically come with a new solenoid and bendix thingie? Thanks!

Ayuh,..... Correct,....

There's only 2 different Chevy starters, staggered bolt pattern, 'n the straight bolt pattern,......

Both the bendix, 'n solenoid are intrical parts of the starter,.....

 

[tonyjh63]

Hey Bondo, thanks for the info! (You too, wahlejim!). I wonder why there is such a large discrepancy in prices on these things? I've seen them from $45 to almost $200...Weird!