Starter replacement.

[bones774]

Hi, I'm looking at a Larson B/r 20 with volvo penta v-8(seller does not know engine size), she states it needs a new starter, Im a pretty good auto mechanic but this would be my first boat, how hard would it be to replace starter? is it a driveway job? engine need to be lifted?
I would be taking a chance on the boat but I think she would let it go for a very good price(2k? for a 1999), so it's tempting. Plus the overall condition of boat is good, she seems to have spent money where/when needed and she seems to be honest. She is actually waiting for mechanic to replace starter now but at this time of season she may wait a long time and wants to sell the boat.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Starter replacement.

how hard would it be to replace starter? is it a driveway job? engine need to be lifted?

it depends on the boat. some starters have room to be R&Red, some don't. the ones that don't, well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. if removing the engine is what needs to be done for access. that's what ya gotta do..

I would be taking a chance

i think so too. no test drive, no compression test would be a couple draw backs i can instantly think of. ya really need to do these two items too before your buy. keep in mind, the seller will tell you anything you want to hear to sell their boat... including lying to you..

 

[bones774]

Re: Starter replacement.

Well, keep in mind her intention is/was to fix boat first, it was my suggestion about the as is sale. She was told by her mechanic the starter needs replacement and then she intends to sell boat for full retail.
any idea on retail price of starter, ballpark?
Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter replacement.

Starters, even marine starters, are rarely in such bad shape that they can't be rebuilt. Brushes, solenoids, bendix, and the end plates are available at most auto stores. Unless the unit is absolutely toast there is no reason it can't be rebuilt. If you don't feel like doing it yourself, you can still save a bundle by taking it to an Auto Electric Shop (starter/alternator/motor rebuilder).

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Starter replacement.

About 100 to 150 for a marine starter on the average..ebasicpower.com

So if she fixes the starter she wants twice the price for the boat?
Not sure how her mechanic "knows" its the starter without removing it and bench testing..

Ask her if you can bring over a fresh battery and some tools to clean all the connections. That way you can see how hard the starter is to get to....

 

[bones774]

Re: Starter replacement.

About 100 to 150 for a marine starter on the average..ebasicpower.com

So if she fixes the starter she wants twice the price for the boat?
Not sure how her mechanic "knows" its the starter without removing it and bench testing..

Ask her if you can bring over a fresh battery and some tools to clean all the connections. That way you can see how hard the starter is to get to....

Yeah, thats what I wanna do, but not with her standing over my shoulder, then she'll increase price. If she replaces starter she might ask 5-6k!!

 

[JustJason]

Re: Starter replacement.

let her ask whatever she wants for the boat.... unless you can actually float it, start it, and run it under load.... you have no idea of what your actually buying. Unless your trained.... there's not much out there thats actually a "good deal" in the marine world.

Would you buy a car without taking it for a spin up the highway first?

 

[KRH1326]

Re: Starter replacement.

it depends on the boat. some starters have room to be R&Red, some don't. the ones that don't, well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. if removing the engine is what needs to be done for access. that's what ya gotta do.. i think so too. no test drive, no compression test would be a couple draw backs i can instantly think of. ya really need to do these two items too before your buy. keep in mind, the seller will tell you anything you want to hear to sell their boat... including lying to you..

Boat owners are a special breed of folk. I don't know anyone who would lie...
Hey OP, I got a boat fer ya.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Starter replacement.

let her ask whatever she wants for the boat.... unless you can actually float it, start it, and run it under load.... you have no idea of what your actually buying. Unless your trained.... there's not much out there thats actually a "good deal" in the marine world.

Would you buy a car without taking it for a spin up the highway first?

Completely agree,

She could think it needs a starter but who really knows.Heck the motor could be locked up and that killed the starter....guessing game at this point.

 

[bones774]

Re: Starter replacement.

Don't you guys ever go to Atlantic City or Vegas?

Just kidding.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Starter replacement.

Yep.... And the house always wins in the long run

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Starter replacement.

The vast majority of bad starters I see are caused by leaving the plug in the boat on the trailer and letting it fill up with rain. Look very closely inside the boat for a "waterline", many times you can see what looks like a "bathtub ring" on the inside of the boat. How high did the water get? What else might be damaged? For testing purposes you can bang on the starter with a heavy hammer while someone repeatedly clicks the key to the start position. If it starts turning after some banging it needs to be replaced, but you might be able to get it to start.

James

 

[bones774]

Re: Starter replacement.

The vast majority of bad starters I see are caused by leaving the plug in the boat on the trailer and letting it fill up with rain. Look very closely inside the boat for a "waterline", many times you can see what looks like a "bathtub ring" on the inside of the boat. How high did the water get? What else might be damaged? For testing purposes you can bang on the starter with a heavy hammer while someone repeatedly clicks the key to the start position. If it starts turning after some banging it needs to be replaced, but you might be able to get it to start.

James

good points, i'm gonna take a look, it can't hurt.I think she is getting fed up with boat and just wants it off driveway.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Starter replacement.

Be sure to purchase a marine starter not a auto starter. It is hell to replace some starters depending on where they are. I have replaced them with engine not out and it is a challenge. If you can afford it have the engine out but it can be done with engine in if you have the determination and you like fiberglass in your shoulders.

 

[ken_23434]

Re: Starter replacement.

FYI, most inboard and inboard/outboard gas motors are actually auto motors with "marine upgrades". The engine is probably a 5.0 or 5.7 GM motor. The starter will look very similar to any GM starter on a truck or car with a V-8. As stated above, it all depends on how the hull is designed and how much room the boat manufacturer gave you to get to the engine. On my 3.0 it's right there in the open. So, you are probably looking at 2 bolts holding the starter in place and a few wires. Getting to them is the issue (possibly).

Even though the starter looks like a car starter, don't try to save $$ by using one from the auto store. The starter (and various other electrical boat stuff) are specifically designed to minimize the generation of a spark. Engine bays tend to collect the fumes from fuel unlike the open air environment of a car's engine bay.

Save your money by rebuilding or getting the stock starter rebuilt.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starter replacement.

Heck the motor could be locked up and that killed the starter....guessing game at this point.

Ayuh,.... That's My thought...

Put a wrench on the crankshaft, if it Turns,... Buy it Cheap...
If it Don't,.. Walk away knowing you Almost got Screwed....