MerCruiser vs OMC Starter Solenoid

fimbulvetr

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
8
I don't know how to move my post back to the Johnson & Evinrude outboard troubles and repair forum after it was moved to the inboard motor forum, so I will repost it, with the clarification that my question is regarding a 1955 Johnson 25 hp outboard.

And for the question . .

I ordered a 12V OMC grounded base 4 terminal starter solenoid (3368M) off of "Marine Salvage USA" on EBay. The part they sent was a MerCruiser isolated base 12V 4 terminal starter solenoid (which, incidently, was postmarked as being shipped over a month after I won the auction). My question is: despite my annoyance at being sent the wrong part and it taking so bloody long, I'm assuming that any old 4-terminal marine starter solenoid will work. Am I right, or should I hold out for the right part?
 

fast_eddie

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Joined
Jul 22, 2007
Messages
27
Re: MerCruiser vs OMC Starter Solenoid

That might work if you can figure out how to wire it correctly, and also verify that the starter you are wiring to it can handle the current draw. You need to find out how much current the original solenoid was designed for and also what the mercruiser solenoid can handle. If the mercruiser solenoid can handle more current or the same as your old solenoid than as long as you can wire it correctly it should work.
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: MerCruiser vs OMC Starter Solenoid

Inarrds of a solenoid all pretty much the same... most diff are in mounting..won't hurt to try it..
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: MerCruiser vs OMC Starter Solenoid

You mentioned the grounded base and isolated base solenoids in your original post. If you know what that means, and I assume you do, you should be able to figure out how to wire it to make it work.
 

fimbulvetr

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
8
Re: MerCruiser vs OMC Starter Solenoid

I think you assume too much :)

I was only going by the label on the box, I have no idea what the difference is between the two, however, I assume it means that one has the bracket connected to ground, the other does not.

Except for the shape and size (my old OMC solenoid is somewhat larger), I really can't see any difference that would mean I couldn't just use the mercruiser one as they are both 4-termincal marine starter solenoids, but I'm just going on a guess here.
 
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