Starter opinion please

[bajuski]

I have a 1985 mercruiser 140 engine that I've been having starter issues with. The last 2 trips out the starter solenoid would not pull in on start attempts but works ok after massaging the coil with a crescent. Knowing it will quit even after a beating sooner rather than later, I ordered an aftermarket starter from an ebay store. When it arrived, I was shocked at how small this thing is, it's about the size of a windshield wiper motor and weighs maybe half of what the 24 year old original starter weighs. Even though it looks like it will bolt up ok, do you think it will even turn the engine over?
I'm kinda inclined towards sending it back. Has anyone had luck with these high torque gear reduction starters? What do you think?

 

[gene8084]

Re: Starter opinion please

The physical size is not an issue at all. The MUST is that the aftermarket starter you are installing is designed for marine use.

I replaced a the massive and heavy starter in my Chevy Suburban (V8 350) with one of the new light weight starters you are describing and it was terrific. Plus much easier to handle during installation. The size does not limit the cranking power, just more efficient design.​

 

[bajuski]

Re: Starter opinion please

Thanks Gene, that makes me feel a little better. I may bolt it in today and give it a try, I have 30 days to return it!

 

[Wakesilver]

Re: Starter opinion please

It looks like you might need to make a new bracket for the non-gear end since the new one is shorter.

 

[bajuski]

Re: Starter opinion please

Yeah Wakesilver, i have a small welder so modifying the old bracket should not be a problem. You wouldn't believe how much lighter this thing is, I'm wondering if an end bracket is really needed.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Starter opinion please

The newer starters have permanent magnets instead of the copper winding field coils. Ain't technology grand..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter opinion please

Has anyone had luck with these high torque gear reduction starters? What do you think?

Ayuh,... I'll Never buy another starter like the Old 1....

I believe your's is a permanent magnet starter,...
It don't look like the gear reduction starters I've seen...
Either of them are Miles ahead of the Old starter,...
And,...
The Gear Reduction starters are Marine rated by design,... Electrically Sealed motors that is...

 

[ButchC]

Re: Starter opinion please

The gear reduction starters work very well. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[bajuski]

Re: Starter opinion please

Well, after your positive opinions, I installed it and it looks like it's gonna stay! It was so much easier than the original. It cranks at about the same speed, engages and retracts the drive normally. I cranked it about 5 times for about 7 seconds with the coil wire disconnected and the motor did not even get warm.
I fish Lake Erie almost exclusively, that's why I'm so leery. Thanks for your good advice!

 

[1988bayliner]

Re: Starter opinion please

Hello,

Bought the starter off ebay and it snaps my high compression 5.7 vortec engine to attention. Much lighter and marine approved. You will never go back to the heavy weight. Just for piece of mind I also bought a 2nd one to store in the boat and both of them might still be lighter than the old original.

Sgt N Q