5.0GXi Starter Replacement

ejnichol

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May 28, 2002
Messages
175
Whats a good starter for a 5.0 GXi? I'm seeing 3 that stand out.

DB Electrical cheapest 85.00.... I've read some opinions that they have decent starters. Bought one for my garden tractor and its worked well.

Arco Marine 260.00

OEM VP Leaders Marine 320.00

One I'm replacing sucumbed to full water immersion.

Opinions appreciated. The contortion and time component on R/R this starter is major and don't want to go back in but to install.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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51,351
Volvo Penta buys starters, mostly Delco or Arco.

I would get a PMGR starter.
 

kenny nunez

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3,457
You may need new bolts for the PMGR. Well worth the effort as they also draw less current than the original heavy Delco.
 

Lou C

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Nov 10, 2002
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I’ve used ARCO with good results for my starter & alternator. Not the cheapest but good. Make sure to use their knurled bolts & torque to spec. Loose bolts on a Chevy style starter make bad things happen!
 

ejnichol

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 28, 2002
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175
I ended up deciding on the ARCO, after having ordered the DB. Will return the DB. Found the ARCO for 178... from Hodges Marine.

Arco is epoxy coated whereas DB is unpainted. I run in salt once a year for 2-4 weeks remainder fresh and uncoated wasn't good. DB has a decent quality reputation but need to paint theres.

Thanks for the replies
 

ejnichol

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.......Make sure to use their knurled bolts & torque to spec......
Not sure how I can get a torque wrench on one bolt without lifting motor partially out which isn't happening.

What does knurling do to the bolt?
 

Lou C

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Knurling keeps it from getting loose; yes it’s tough to get a torque wrench in there but when you have been doing this for a long time you just can feel it. Not bubba tight but tight.
Loose starter bolts will allow the starter to shift under torque and can break the bolts leading to grief!
 

ejnichol

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May 28, 2002
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175
They were in there pretty tight. The one on crank side is easier get to for removal and get torque wrench on. The one nearer starboard is difficult either way.

The arc swing just clears floor of engine compartment. A crow foot adapter on torque wrench might fit.

Would you use thread locker, blue?
 

Lou C

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Nov 10, 2002
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Hmm not sure, I have never used it and had a few different starters in my engine over the years and never had a loose starter bolt, nor did I have one that wouldn't come out.
 

ejnichol

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 28, 2002
Messages
175
Ok no blue. Got it back together and hand tightened till stop turning with a good amount of force.

Arco takes more pride in their starters judging by fit, finish and packaging.

Thanks for feedback.
 

ejnichol

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 28, 2002
Messages
175
I’ve used ARCO with good results for my starter & alternator. Not the cheapest but good. Make sure to use their knurled bolts & torque to spec. Loose bolts on a Chevy style starter make bad things happen!
I reused old bolts.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 10, 2002
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13,392
When you use their bolts you’re pretty much guaranteed that they won’t be too long and bottom out, which can allow the starter to move. The issue is that there are many manufacturers making after market starters to fit Chevrolet marine engines and the dimensions of the starter case can be different. So if the starter originally on the engine was just slightly taller in that dimension a longer bolt can still clamp
it adequately. If I had to use the old bolts what I’d do is, with the starter off, thread the bolt in & them measure from the mounting surface in the block to the part of the bolt head that contacts the starter. Then measure the height of the starter case that the bolt passes thru. The starter case height should be greater than the effective length of the bolt as installed. I found it easier to just use ARCO’s new bolts. Just pay attention to how the new starter sounds if anything sounds like it’s binding or grinding measure those bolts & the starter!
 
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