4.3l starter

[Sean195]

I replaced a bad starter in my 1995 4.3l mercruiser engine last September. I’d say with less than 100 starts since then, the replacement starter, a quicksilver/mercury genuine part (863007A1) failed me twice, leaving me stranded. It happened once (starter just seemed to be spinning and not making contact with the flywheel) and then it was fine the next day. A few trips later, and after a dozen or so successful starts, it did the same thing, and I had to flag someone down for a tow back.
I ‘tested’ it and the gear on the starter just comes out, but does not spin. Clearly, it appears this starter is no good, which is unfortunate because I replaced the old starter with a genuine part in hopes to avoid any issues.
I plan on going to my mercury dealer and initiating a warranty claim. I am new to the boating world, so not sure how that will go. They told me on the phone that they won’t issue a replacement right away, and that the ‘bad’ part would have to get shipped out and tested before they would issue a replacement.
One additional question I had was if the starter needed to be shimmed.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scoflaw]

Usually if no shims were on the old one the new one wouldn't need them either. Always good practice to check clearance on engagement. Too tight and they bind up hence the need for spacing.

 

[Sean195]

Usually if no shims were on the old one the new one wouldn't need them either. Always good practice to check clearance on engagement. Too tight and they bind up hence the need for spacing.

How do I confirm spacing? The one I replaced did NOT have shims

 

[scoflaw]

You have to get in real close and look at it, not easy on a boat

 

[Sean195]

You have to get in real close and look at it, not easy on a boat

From looking at parts diagrams, I don’t see any shims. And given that the old starter didn’t have any, I’m assuming none are needed.
Just seems disappointing that a brand new starter would quit after only ~100 or so starts

 

[scoflaw]

Somethings not right. How do the flywheel teeth look? You want to check for a smooth engagement with the next one.

 

[Sean195]

Teeth look fine. Doesn’t look like there are any missing or chipped. There was soMe shavings when I pulled the starter out, but not sure where they came from, and there really wasn’t much at all

 

[scoflaw]

Shavings no matter how little should not be there. Pay close attention on the next install.

 

[Sean195]

Also, is it true what I was told in reference to the warranty ? The item would have to go somewhere to be deemed ineffective ? That seems inconvenient but I suppose I understand it

 

[scoflaw]

If you say the bendix clutch quit, sound like a binding issue. Whatever, it was less than a couple of hundred bucks. Move on, season is short here anyways.

 

[Sean195]

I’m assuming the dealer should be able to let me purchase a new starter and then Receive a refund if the bad was was in fact deemed defective. If not, I might as well just order a new one now.

 

[Espos4]

You should also “listen” to the starter when it engages and disengages. It’ll tell you if it needs a shim. If you hear a high pitched shriek, that’s a sign that it’s too tight and needs a shim.

 

[midway]

You may want a helper to turn the engine by hand so you can see all of the teeth on the flywheel ring gear, it is possible that you have a bad spot, just mark flywheel so you know when you have turned all the way around.

 

[DWABoat]

You could buy a less expensive aftermarket marine starter and install it yourself. When the Merc starter gets covered under warranty, swap them out. Now you have a spare starter to keep handy.