Need New Starter 115 Merc

[drivadesl]

Hey all. Since I bought my 1989 Crestliner with 115Merc 4 Cyl used some years back, it would on occasion, have a hesitation where when starting the engine, the starter, would engage the flywheel and would take a half second before it would turn. Also on occasion, it would not engage the flyweheel fully and would spin and grind on the flywheel teeth, then engage and turn normally. This wasn't a chronic type of thing and never really caused a problem, but a bit of an annoyance so I finally had my mechanic check it out. At first he thought it could have been just a cleaning around the drive pinion, but after checking told me I need a new starter. I didn't want to pay what he wanted, but figure would replace it myself. So after all that, my question is whether should I go with an OEM Bosch starter for $266 or for one of the aftermarket ones for $180-220. Is there one I should avoid? Sorry for the long post and thanks for any input.

 

[JB]

Re: Need New Starter 115 Merc

Howdy, drivadesl.

Welcome to iboats.

First you need to verify what the wrench told you. 3 out of 5 starters that are replaced "ain't broke".

*Load test your battery.
*Remove and scrub shiny all connections of battery cables (both ends).
*Use jumper cables to jump the battery directly to the starter motor. (+) to the hot stud on the battery and (-) to the starter case.

If your starter is, indeed, in need of replacement take it to an auto starter repair facility and get it rebuilt for a lot less than a replacement.

Good luck.