marine starter

[vxtech]

how can i be sure previous owner installed marine starter and not auto starter with just purchasing possibly same marine starter that i already have? are any identification's that designate it marine? the motor is mercruiser inline 6 1975 vintage

 

[abj87]

Re: marine starter

Should have a tag that says marine on it, but its prob long gone by now.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: marine starter

J1171 should be stamped on all marine starters and alternators.

If not there it ain't a marine part.

My 22 year old starter and alternator had the stamp on it, even painted over you will see it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

Although, not all are, they are supposed to be painted - typically black.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: marine starter

These new starters and alternators are coming not painted.

I paint the heck outta them. Like 4 coats.

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

I know, I had to replace one this summer with one of those new "mini" starters...it was not painted. It's definitely marine though - been submerged 3-4 times already!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: marine starter

I know, I had to replace one this summer with one of those new "mini" starters...it was not painted. It's definitely marine though - been submerged 3-4 times already!

Not to mention 10 lbs lighter (or so it seemed!) lol..

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

Really.
I also found a block drain I never knew about - hidden behind the old starter.

 

[Don S]

Re: marine starter

I know, I had to replace one this summer with one of those new "mini" starters...it was not painted.

Not painted????, why didn't you paint it prior to installation?

 

[captmello]

Re: marine starter

Really.
I also found a block drain I never knew about - hidden behind the old starter.

what motor?

 

[Don S]

Re: marine starter

? the motor is mercruiser inline 6 1975 vintage

From the original post

 

[Don S]

Re: marine starter

Although, not all are, they are supposed to be painted - typically black.

Only if you buy OEM are they painted black. Many posters in this forum seem to love the aftermarket parts, (almost fits, not painted, may or may not fit, and with luck it will work, but cheaper) parts.

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

Don, you would pick up on that. And how did you know I didn't paint it? Are you out by my garage? I thought the Cobra OD would have kept you away!
I know, I know, I should have.
It'll be done before she hits the break water in spring.
Usually come March I do any and everything she needs.
Mid-season, I have little tolerance for repairs. It has to be a show stopper to get attention. In truth, the solenoid needed replacing last season (started when you let off the key). Finally decided to get 'er done when I had to jump the coil directly from the battery 4 miles out. It's not like I didn't have the starter sitting around since last winter. In a hurry, no appropriate paint handy, etc.
Forgive me father for I have sinned...5 Hail Maritimes and one Our Neptune.

 

[Don S]

Re: marine starter

Forgive me father for I have sinned...5 Hail Maritimes and one Our Neptune.

Hmmmmm. I'll think about it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

I had another OEM starter waiting. I went to put it on but noticed a hairline crack in the bakelite on the end of the solenoid. (So I have two OEM starters sitting in the garage that need solenoids!). I didn't know about the minis. The one I got is aftermarket, which explains the lack of paint (didn't know that either - thanks Don - I leaern something here everyday). The noses didn't match up between the two sizes which made me think it was the wrong part. But in desperation I tried it anyway. Then I learned about the bolt kit the hard way. But it all worked out.

For those who might benefit...
GM replacement marine starters are now "mini" and are a direct replacement for the larger (standard size) units. You WILL need a new bolt kit. Also, make sure you go back and retighten them after initial usage. The parts guy warned me that they have a habit of loosening.

 

[vxtech]

Re: marine starter

found the duralast tag (auto) these mini starters are they the same one as chevy 4.3 v-6

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

what motor?

1989 4.3
I have one on either side toward the rear of the block.
One in the bottom of each manifold.
You could have more.

I pulled this "new" one out of the block and nothing came out.
Another task for spring.
I'm fresh water cooled, so this concerns me. I'll probably run some DuPont Acid/Base through the system to clean it (and see what leaks develop!).

 

[chiefalen]

Re: marine starter

The problem i discovered with the new starters is that the front bracket wont fit.

So you have to fabricate a new one.

If you don't install a bracket than the starter bolts will snap.

And usually inside the block.

Then your faced with getting it out, the bolts.

At least the 3.0 engine has this problem.

So if you install a new mini, install a front bracket. Or you will be sorry you didn't.

 

[mthieme]

Re: marine starter

I didn't reuse the front bracket because of the fit.
I'll have to fabricate something in spring.
thanks for the tip

 

[salty87]

Re: marine starter

i always just go to the starter shop for a rebuild. they hand me back what i gave them, sometimes painted. they went with blue that time, looked nice on the engine.

I know, I had to replace one this summer with one of those new "mini" starters...it was not painted. It's definitely marine though - been submerged 3-4 times already!

btw, marine starters aren't designed to be dunked. they're 'marine' because they won't make sparks. water + starter = $$