POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

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yamahadude9

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got a boat at the beginning of the summer and i work on it more than use it. Just as soon as i fix something another thing breaks, the positive side of things is pretty soon everything on the boat will be new lol The engine is a 1987 mercruiser 165 3.7 4 cylinder (ya i know)

Anyways yesterday i go to use it and its been about a week since the last time. I turn it over and its cranking really slow, labored sounding. I charge the battery and its still doing it so i figure the battery is junk. So i went and bought a new marine 950 cranking amp battery, topped it off and tried again and its still cranking really slow and making a whining noise and seems to be consuming a lot of voltage (the volt gauge drops dramatically). Then after trying a few times smoke started pouring out of the starter area. I couldnt tell exactly but it looked like its coming directly from the starter body not the solenoid or wiring. I inspected all the positive and negative leads for corrosion, tightness and or signs of burning and didnt see anything. Also the negative and positve leads appear adequate in size. This is the first time ive experienced this issue until now its started great. Is it safe to assume the starter has crapped out ? :confused:

If you believe it is the starter any suggestions where to get one from a trusted seller for a reasonable price ?
 
starcrafter65

starcrafter65

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

Not sure where you live - but I have had both my starter and alternator rebuilt at a fraction of new price by a local shop - try the yellow pages and make a couple calls - I am sure you will find someone who does it.

Yes your starter is shot - mine did same - after $100 rebuild is it great
 
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joncrisler

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

New starters are about $100 now....dont bother with old style direct drive, get a newer style reduction gear starter.
 
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stonyloam

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yamahadude9

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

thanks for all the helpful replies, im going to buy a pmgr starter as recommended. the part # for my application is 2-2591-DR-2 if anyone else orders pay close attention to the 2 at the end of that part number as that designates the permanent magnet gear reduction (pmgr) without that 2 youll get a stand direct drive (dd) starter which is a bulky out dated technology with less power from what i gather. The best price ive found is here http://www.armatureserviceco.com/sh...165 Mercury 3.7l 224ci 4 Cyl#RelatedItems1Div

Thanks again, ill let u know how things work out.....
 
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dccordell

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

Armatureserviceco had the best price when I was looking for that starter for my 3.7 too, but they didn't have it in stock when I needed it and according to the guy that works the email customer service there, they were in high demand and he didn't know when they would get them back in stock, so I had to order it locally. Make sure you email or call them before you make your order as their website won't tell you it is out of stock.
 
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yamahadude9

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

BAD NEWS !!! that starter is no longer available anywheres ! called the guys in the link i posted and the one eric 3.7lx posted above and they are discontinued. Apparently they had issues with the body castings cracking and ceased production ! so you guys that have them should inspect them for cracks ! I guess unless anyone has an alternative option for a pmgr starter im stuck with a direct drive junker ??
 
starcrafter65

starcrafter65

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

$100 for a starter has china written all over it - think about it - $100 for a highly engineered product with refined metals/castings/windings/brushes......?

Maybe you guys have had good luck with them - maybe its a blessing in disguise!
 
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yamahadude9

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

The discontinued starter ended up being a blessing in disguise for me i guess. I found what most consider a superior starter compared to the other one for just a couple bucks more. Its made by Marine Electrical Supplies and is a pmgr type. i got it for $126 + shipping from these guys http://www.amarket.com/mes5400m.htm by far the best price on the net !! Hopefully it doesnt take to long to show, ill report back on fitment, quality etc.. thanks
 
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yamahadude9

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

well i got the starter a couple days ago now i just gotta get over bronchitis so i can install it. Initial impression are that it looks like a nicely made little starter but The proof is in the pudding so they say.....
 
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dccordell

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Re: POS boat is bumming me out !! Starter Smoke ??

I'm sure I won't be the only one looking forward to how well the new starter fits and performs... hope it works out good for ya!
 
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