Has anyone used an automotive starter in their boat?

[theck4291]

Just purchased this boat and doing repairs and removed the starter, and everything I am looking up is saying the one I removed is an automotive starter. The part number is 1108391. I will attach pictures. When I removed it the solenoid cracked in half, so obviously I need to replace. EVERYONE is saying to use only a marine starter, just wondering if mine was an automotive starter then I don't see the big deal, because it was in this boat for over 6 years without any issues(boat I bought was previously fatherinlaws),

 

[thumpar]

A couple years ago when I was getting my inspection at the ramp the Sheriff told me the week before there was a blow up on a boat with a 7 year old sitting in the rear seats that was caused by someone that used an automotive starter in a boat. You may get away with it for awhile but why take the chance over a few bucks?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

The reason behind marine starters is spark protection from the motor.

I don't know what you have for an engine, but if its a common 4.3 or small block Chevy block then you can bet your pay people do it...

Will it work..... sure it will, is it dangerous.... only if you have a gas leak/vapors in the bilge and don't realize it, go to turn the key and you know the rest.

It really isn't worth it, There are marine rated parts online at good prices.... what engine ya running?

 

[smokeonthewater]

I have BUT I converted em to marine starters...
There are additional parts in the marine starter to prevent internal arcing from igniting explosive vapors.

I had 2 worn out marine starters and bought 2 new automotive starters and tore all 4 apart at the same time....

Buy a marine starter and be done with it... Bits of shredded fiberglass all through your body sounds like a bad day to me.

 

[littlerayray]

Don't do it unless your related Wile E. Coyote

 

[theck4291]

Thanks guys! I don't know how to search for the marine starter for my boat... All I know is it says 165 HP on it, it has GM branded into the engine, and other than that I think its a 1973... Any ideas on how to help figure out EXACTLY which starter I need?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Click on the "Boat Parts and Accessories" button at the top of this page,.....

Then "Boat Motor Parts", upper port side of that page,....

Then "Sterndrive Engine Parts", upper port side on that page,....

Then "Mercruiser", upper port side on that page

Then type Starter into the search line, 'n check the in "mercruiser electrical parts" box...

Then scroll down to yer motor, 'n pick a starter,.....

 

[biggjimm]

Auto electrical parts are a bad idea in a marine application. You've already read the reasons why above but the end result can be an explosion.

I just seen a Sig that read,
"Just because you found it that way, doesn't mean it's supposed to be that way"

 

[tpenfield]

My previous boat had an automotive starter as far as I could tell via the part number stamped on it. Also no SAE J1171 markings on it either. I did not find this out until I replaced it, with a marine rated version.

So, I was glad to have found it and replaced it, because if there were any fuel fumes hanging around the bilge it may have gone BOOM

 

[1216bandit]

A marine starter will give you piece of mind...go with auto and it will always cross your mind when ya hit the key.

 

[Volphin]

I always use these guys? Never had an issue with any of their products: http://www.dbelectrical.com/c-2665-mercruiser-marine.aspx

 

[smokeonthewater]

I too have had great luck with DB

 

[bigbob_FTW]

DB electric has them at a reasonable price.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I haven't bought a starter from iboats, but I know they carry 'em, at competitive pricin',....

Nothin' against DB, but iboats Is in fact payin' the rent here,......