Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

[candiaoh]

Last summer my engine compartment on my 1990 Four Winns Candia filled up with water thanks to a boat cover issue and a broken bilge pump.

I got problems one and two taken care of, but apparently when the engine comparment filled up with water the starter submerged.

I did the first start of the summer last weekend on the boat ramp. The engine was very slow to crank and I noticed the negative terminal began to smoke...I am thinking that the starter is shot and pulling way too many amps. (Good news though is the engine started right up).

How hard is the starter to replace on this model? I've done starters on cars before, but never a boat. Also, I checked with a local parts guy and he has one for $200, but I have seen marine starters online for $50.00- Is this guy charging too much, or are the $50.00 starters on ebay not a good idea?

 

[sethjon]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

Last summer my engine compartment on my 1990 Four Winns Candia filled up with water thanks to a boat cover issue and a broken bilge pump.

I got problems one and two taken care of, but apparently when the engine comparment filled up with water the starter submerged.

I did the first start of the summer last weekend on the boat ramp. The engine was very slow to crank and I noticed the negative terminal began to smoke...I am thinking that the starter is shot and pulling way too many amps. (Good news though is the engine started right up).

How hard is the starter to replace on this model? I've done starters on cars before, but never a boat. Also, I checked with a local parts guy and he has one for $200, but I have seen marine starters online for $50.00- Is this guy charging too much, or are the $50.00 starters on ebay not a good idea?

Personally, I wouldn't buy a starter from ebay. If its new maybe but if you don't know the seller pay a little more locally. For $50 it must be used. Whatever you do, make sure you only buy a marine starter.

 

[Randy J]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

get socket to fit and have a breaker bar disconnect all battery wires get paper and draw where wires go on soilenoid take to local alternator shop get it rebuilt and put back on. cost me $65.00 total at local shop and i have then the original that came on my boat. localboat dealer quoted new $200.00so for $135.00 diff means truck and boat full of gas and a day at lake instead of profit in someone elses pocket !

ps mine had water get on it and internal had a big wire burnt so it was worth the rebuild got it back next day too lolo

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

i know this may be a longshot but did you pull the starter off and accualy try to clean out the water/rust? if the starter turns its still good just has some rusty water in it. this may be to much work for the average person, as i do rebuild electric motors some times.

i can see where your going with this if its smoking and it has an issue then you should replace it because how long are you going to have on a rebuilt starter? you will have as long as a brand new one if rebuilt right.

20 minuites from my house is a guy with a shop called "johns batteries" he repairs batteries and starters and electrical stuff, took mine there last year pulled it off gave it to him 2 days later ran better then new. $200.00 seems a little steep i did the one on my truck for $68. i relize that being on a boat it needs to be "marine grade" but $200 does seem to be the top in the market for it.

 

[Randy J]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

I looked and found from Don S in another post try this also http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035


Don is a great help and i read a lot of posts and he sure helps me fix things

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

i 2nd that he may not have helpd me yet as much as he has other but he sure tries hard and if he knows your after his attention he will chime in.

 

[candiaoh]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

Thanks all...I am hoping to pull it this weekend. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

It's not much different on a boat than it is on a car. The wires and two mounting bolts and possibly a support bracket on the end.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Starter issues on a 1990 OMC 4.3l

Removing the starter is a PITA.. Can be done..

The motor mount kinda makes it a pain.. Sometimes you gotta be good at working on stuff in weird positions..

You have removed em for a car? You can get it off a boat engine..