Starters Marine vs Auto

[abj87]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

If you can figure out a way to transfer the ALL explosion arrester screens,covers,gaskets from the old starter to the new one i don't see any problems with the auto unit. I did a similar thing with an alternator a while back. The screens were the ONLY difference.

i also don't understand how fuel would leak out of a carb? the float bowl vents directly upwards of the venturies(of every carb i have seen). So if the float stuck it would only flood the motor.

 

[mkast]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

What I was trying to say was that on the jet type boats with the big blocks, I doubt if every part is a marine part.

When any boat leaves the factory if the boat isn't in compliance with USCG regulations, do you think the manufacturer would be liable?
I know what you "saw". The list of non-approved parts is endless.
Boat owners are no different than aircraft owners.
"I heard"
"I thought"
"My friend did it that way for years"
There is a manufacturer's maintenance manual,
there is a manufacturer's parts manual, if the two of them are used to maintain the boat your day won't end with a, "I didn't know!"
I don't buy parts from Mercruiser, I don't buy service from a Mercruiser dealership.
That doesn't give me a license to ignore common sense because I want to save some money, or, "Everybody does that!"
Be a trend setter, "DON'T BECOME A STATISTIC.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Should you use marine parts? YES The blower is there for a reason though. how many people actually use it? I have been out on a few of my friends boats & have never seen them turn the blower on at all. It seems like it is forgotten about.

Then your friends aren't too bright. Non-marine parts and they don't even run the blower? Amazing. First time someone did that when I was on their boat would be the last time I was on their boat.

How many people actually use the blower? Every darned one I know. Your friends do not represent most boaters. I'd stay off their boats, if I were you. One day, they'll hit the starter and the boat will blow up. It happens. You want to be on their boat when it does?

Just because you are acquainted with some folks who are dumb as rocks doesn't mean you have to follow their example, right?

 

[achris]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Part of the problem with boats, is 99% of them are carbruated.

I would argue that a carb is far more dangerous than EFI because of the float bowl.

Wrong!!!

I've only been involved with boats for a couple years now, and already I've seen two carbs with leaking floats, and as a result, they were pissing fuel into the bilge.

Are you ABSOLUTELY sure they had Marine carbs? The marine carb has the float bowl vented to the air horn of the carb.. If the bowl floods, it should leak INTO THE CARB and flood the engine out. Marine carbs have flame arresters to stop flashback through the carb. And marine fuel pumps have dual diaphragms and an overflow tube that runs to the air horn on the carb...

EFI uses a completely sealed fuel system. While it's still posible for leaks to occur, chances are, if you do have any problems with your fuel system, your boat simply won't run. Where as with a carb, you could have a tiny hole in one of your floats and not know it, until you already smell gas, at which point, the danger is already there. Marine aproved parts or not, there is still the risk of explosion. (mind you the risk is much lower with marine approved parts)

I'm running an automotive EFI system (2001 vertec 4.3 out of an astro-van) and I Feel much safter knowing I don't have 500 mls of fuel sitting on top of my engine at all times that could easily start pissing out if a little copper float develops a leak.

How much safer do you feel knowing that the carb fuel pump pressure (and hence the pressure in the lines) is about 5psi and the EFI pressure is 43psi!!!

Please DON'T come anywhere near me with your boat!!!

 

[Scorpion 210 LTD]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

What I was trying to say was that on the jet type boats with the big blocks, I doubt if every part is a marine part. Those engines are for the most part big block chevy's & the accessories & other parts for a chevy performance engine are very abundant. Do you think that all of those parts are actually marine parts? I know guys who have several boats like this as well as several cars/trucks with the same engines. I'm not saying that it's correct but those parts do get tossed around on the boats & cars.

Anyways, I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should use auto parts on a boat. You should use the marine stuff. I personally just don't see the harm if the engine area is properly ventilated. There are plenty of cars that have leaky carburetors or disconted evap hoses under the hood & the starter doesn't ignite them.

Should you use marine parts? YES The blower is there for a reason though. how many people actually use it? I have been out on a few of my friends boats & have never seen them turn the blower on at all. It seems like it is forgotten about.

Aren't jet boats those crazy exposed motor rigs? If so, they will not trap fumes like most I/O boats

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

I've been following this thread for informational and entertainment purposes.

I think achris, CATransplant (love your honest and frank approach by the way) and a few others clearly spelled out the right answer.

To put it in more simple terms.

If you don't buy boat parts for your car, you shouldn't buy car parts for your boats. Yes there is a premium. But, its for various reasons mentioned in the thread and the fact of the matter is, boating is a luxury. Luxury comes at a premium.

 

[gussie]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

WHAT A RESPONSE!
Thanks to all. I actually found a rebuilding shop within easy drive, so I took the starter there and the tech found that my starter had a bad Bendix drive. He showed me the plates and gaskets and all the things that make my Delco starter #1109490 a marine starter. He said he will completely rebuild it for about $100.00, and so he will. It will take about 1 1/2 weeks.

Thanks again for all the info, this Site is great!

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

You could've bought another marine starter for less than the cost of the rebuild. Glad you decided to stick with a marine starter tho.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

On special or more rare applications I like to have electro-mechanical devices like starters and alternators rebuilt by a reputable shop. You know it is the correct item for the application and that the housing fits with no interference and all the bolt holes are in the right place, and the quality that I have experienced is a level above the off the shelf mass-run items. I feel like they last longer and work better thoughout their life after the rebuild. That is just my personal preference.

 

[turborich]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Then your friends aren't too bright. Non-marine parts and they don't even run the blower? Amazing. First time someone did that when I was on their boat would be the last time I was on their boat.

How many people actually use the blower? Every darned one I know. Your friends do not represent most boaters. I'd stay off their boats, if I were you. One day, they'll hit the starter and the boat will blow up. It happens. You want to be on their boat when it does?

Just because you are acquainted with some folks who are dumb as rocks doesn't mean you have to follow their example, right?

You are correct, just because they do it doesn't mean that I will. I will be running the blower every time.

 

[achris]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

You are correct, just because they do it doesn't mean that I will. I will be running the blower every time.

I hope that means you're also using only genuine marine parts on your engine too....

 

[betayv]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

check Iboat.com for starters, check ebay, http://www.marineengineparts.com/

is a lot of websites that you can get a marine starter for a good price, dont take chances like the others guys say be safe.

 

[turborich]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

I hope that means you're also using only genuine marine parts on your engine too....

Well, It seems like folks get really upset if you don't so there must be a good reason for it. Yes I will stick with marine parts. You guys have convinced me. Of course I will need to shop around for the best price.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Board boat

Turn ON blower

Check engine oil

Snuff for gasoline fumes
if fumes detectable
Find out WHy

if none
Start motor


Engines don't just 'run out of oil'
Boats don't just 'Blow up'

Accidents and injuries are caused by plain and simple carelessness, operator error in failing to conduct the very simple and basic system checks required.

Too many of these 'accidents and the industry will be legislated into installing foolproof starting systems delays, that operate the blower for 5 minutes BEFORE the starter is able to energize, low oil sensor to turn OFF the ignition before engine damage occurs,etc.

Any of this would simply drive up the cost of manufacturing the product.

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

Do your safety checks, you, your passengers, will all live a lot longer.

Who coined that phrase, 'Be careful out there."

 

[Hitech]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Now, can someone please tell me where, in Maryland, I can have this starter MARINE rebuilt for $99.95? Autozone?

Well, I had one done for about that (including shipping one way) from S.E.A Manafacturing. They have an eBay store, but you can call them and have them rebuild your starter.

Edit: Okay, I see you found one.

 

[gussie]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

On special or more rare applications I like to have electro-mechanical devices like starters and alternators rebuilt by a reputable shop. You know it is the correct item for the application and that the housing fits with no interference and all the bolt holes are in the right place, and the quality that I have experienced is a level above the off the shelf mass-run items. I feel like they last longer and work better thoughout their life after the rebuild. That is just my personal preference.

Thanks Macklin, I decided to have the starter rebuilt locally for convenience, however since the starter was so difficult to remove, I did think about everything fitting perfectly. Having to shim this starter would be a nightmare.

I hope I experience the same longevity that you have.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Board boat

Turn ON blower.....................Snuff for gasoline fumes
.................................................

Yep, the best anti-explosion devise on your boat is permanently mounted in the centre of your face

 

[bekosh]

Re: Starters Marine vs Auto

Board boat

Turn ON blower

Check engine oil

Snuff for gasoline fumes
if fumes detectable
Find out WHy

if none
Start motor

Actually you should sniff for fumes BEFORE turning on the blower. Once you turn the blower on, any fumes that might have been there to indicate a problem would be blown out of the boat.

1-Sniff for gasoline fumes. If fumes detectable, find out why.
2-Turn on blower for 5 min.
3-Check oil, PS fluid, lights, etc...
4-Start motor and go have fun.