starter interchange with chevy?

[mjalstad]

I looked up a starter for my 99 Penta 5.0GL and it costs $240! Can I just use a starter for a chevy 305? Anybody know what model/year I'd need to tell the parts store for it?

 

[2001 Stingray]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Starters and alternators can not be interchanged with automotive equivalents.

They are spark sealed so you dont blow yourself up.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Dude..Shop the iboats store...

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...gd_poid=111895&gd_row=80&**********=837564439

 

[Don S]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Before you spend a lot of money on a new starter, take it to your local starter/alternator repair shop. They can usually fix them for a LOT less than you can buy a new one for.

 

[mjalstad]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

I broke the nose cone on it, is that something that is rebuildable or possibly something I could swap myself from an automotive starter? I just called the marine shop they said $450 for a starter. Then I asked about just buying a Chevy 305 starter and he said "I can't tell you that...you get what I'm saying?" so they seems to think it would be ok although the spark sealed thing is something I never thought about, but that's why my boat has a blower, right? haha

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

I broke the nose cone on it, is that something that is rebuildable or possibly something I could swap myself from an automotive starter? I just called the marine shop they said $450 for a starter. Then I asked about just buying a Chevy 305 starter and he said "I can't tell you that...you get what I'm saying?" so they seems to think it would be ok although the spark sealed thing is something I never thought about, but that's why my boat has a blower, right? haha

get a new shop...

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

I'm not sure about the starter but when my alternator went out a mechanic at the marina said they "sometimes" replace them with the automotive kind. I found this was a problem because the automotive type plugs in with a wiring harness while the marine type was direct connected to posts on the alternator. Needless to say I will never take my boat to that marina for any maintenence!

 

[Randy J]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

take it to a rebuild shop avg $65.00 a little more maybe to replace broken case parts ?? they will have needed replacement parts git er done!

 

[Maclin]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

mj, I think you really know the marine starter is the way to go, but regarding your blower comment, a blower can clear the fumes somewhat so that any spark has less chance of starting an explosion, then the Marine spec starters and alternators nearly elimiante the chance for any spark occurring.

 

[Maclin]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Oh yeah, take the rebuild advice, you will end up with a good marine starter that fits your engine exactly.

 

[mjalstad]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Well I really wanted to get a starter in right away to get the engine moving to try to get the water out of it (another story). So I went and found the automotive replacement but could only find one with 3 terminals. My boat had 4 terminals. Turns out that 4th terminal sends extra power to the coil when starting that the Chevy truck must not need. So I just got it in there to turn the engine over, then I returned it and I got the marine one in there now. $230 for a brand new one from NAPA. Sucks that it was so expensive but at least I don't have to worry about blowing up and I only had to wait a few days for it to come in instead of waiting for a rebuild.

 

[Maclin]

Re: starter interchange with chevy?

Good thinkin'. And good luck on your shakedown cruise.

The wiring differences are just one more reason to go with OEM starter, whether new or rebuild.