1985 sea arrow starter problem

[Kyllemall]

I recently had to replace the starter in my '85 sea arrow mercruiser 5.0 alpha 1. I took the old starter to autozone and was showed a marine grade starter for $160 and he told me since it is a Chevy 305 motor he had one in stock for about $60. I bought the cheaper one, installed it and have been out about 4-5 times with no problems. Yesterday I was out for about 3 hours, everything running smoothly, then the boat suddenly died and would not start again. I thought it could be the alternator because it was cranking very slowly then only clicking loud just once. I noticed that after I turn the key and it clicks, the starter seems to start smoking near the rear as far as I could tell. Is this because I bought the cheaper one? Should I get a heavier duty one?

 

[Chris1956]

First question...is the starter you bought marine-rated? If not, you need to replace it, or it could cause a spark and a fire in your boat.

Slow cranking and a smoking starter can be the result of low battery voltage, dirty battery cables, bad starter or a partially seized motor. There is no way to tell from here

 

[Kyllemall]

Thanks for the info Chris. I wasn't aware that a normal starter could cause a fire so I will be replacing it for sure. The battery cables aren't in the best shape so I will replace them and the alternator also because I have to keep a battery tender hooked up or else my battery will die.

 

[Chris1956]

Alternators also need to be marine-rated, as do carbs, fuel pumps, water pumps, starter solenoids and the balance of the electrics.Automotive items that are OK are oil filters, belts, heater hoses, oil pressure switch, oil pans and timing covers (usually).

 

[Kyllemall]

Ok cool, I appreciate the help alot. I will start with replacing the starter and cables