Affordable Mercuiser 3.0L starters?

[Condor1970]

I bought a new starter off Ebay for my Mercruiser 3.0L. I was wondering if you guys have used these. Are they reliable? Are they made in China? I'm assuming so.

If it comes bare metal like this, would it be a good idea to give a coat of black Rustoleum before install?

 

[Maclin]

That is not "bare metal", don't paint it.

 

[Lager]

You can paint it if you would like. The Silver parts are aluminum and will not rust. The Goldish parts are plated to reduce rusting. You can paint it if your would like, but I wouldn't bother.
Reliable? Im betting its not as good as the original but all the cheap starters we buy for our cars are made in China too and get used a whole more then out boat starters.

 

[tpenfield]

Looks like it might be the same sort of parts that DB Electrical sell. I believe most of their stuff is made by a company called Arrowhead Electrical Products. Some of their items seem very economical. I have bought alternators and trim pumps via DB Electrical with no issues. Just have no experience with e-Autoparts The biggest thing is to make sure it is truly marine rated, in that it is spark protected (SAEJ1171). Many of them are not marked as such, so it begs the question.

 

[flipbro]

Ive also been tempted to by on for my 5.7 ! 67 bucks free shipping but am worried about quality! They do state they are a marine starter. Let us know how it works when you get it installed!