Buy a new starter or replace the solenoid?

[GirlyGirl1999]

Hey Group, I posted the over on our 290 thread but didn’t get any feedback.
Starboard engine no start, click nothing.
All gages hooked to the starboard start switch come alive.
I’ll cut to the chase
Super electrician came Friday and within 5 minutes found the switch terminal on the starter solenoid so corroded it pushed into the solenoid. Move the wire a bit and the engine starts strong.
So,
Buy a whole new starter
Buy just a new solenoid
Are the starters on Amazon ignition protected? They seem priced very cheap.
My young guy that helps me will be putting it in, I just can’t get down there.
Thanks!
Jon

 

[Windjammer]

I had a starter go out on me a few years ago and I ordered a replacement from https://www.mercruiserparts.com. Had it in 2 days and everything matched up. Took longer to gather the tools needed than to install. I think it was $300 and change. i don't know about Amazon's parts.

 

[Fill Ess]

If you have to go through the trouble, replace the pair while you're at it. Even if the starter is fine now, it will go eventually. I doubt the Amazon starters are ignition-protected marine starters unless they say so specifically.

 

[boatman37]

I just replaced ours. Got a new one from Wholesale Marine. Be sure to get the right one. I ordered the first one and it was the standard size. Turns out mine is a mini starter so had to send the first one back. Terminals were different sizes otherwise may have tried to get it in there but didn't want to be replacing terminals. Think I paid around $260 and got to keep my old one so plan to have it rebuilt as a spare. This is the mini starter here. The full size one was $236 as seen in the credit below.

 

[Golfman25]

I'd just do the solenoid right now. Over the winter, maybe have the starter tested. And don't forget, Amazon + cheap = boom boom. Buy an OEM or better.

 

[BillK2632]

Your talking about the starter solenoid, not the slave solenoid? If the starter appears to be in good shape and it is easy enough to get in there and replace the solenoid, then that is what I would do. OTH if it is a PIA to change the solenoid and you have to take the starter off to do it, I might think about just putting a new one on and keep the old as a spare.

 

[Scott215]

Please make sure it's marine rated. Not worth your life

 

[Pirate Lady]

When i got my boat, turning key was hit or miss. Sometimes Fire sometimes nothing. Electric marine certified friend said solenoid. What i didn’t know is there is one under the dash called a slave solenoid. Still don’t understand all that. But that was bad, replaced, no problem since.

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

Update,
1. It is definitely the solenoid on the starter, tap the solenoid with a wrench and it starts right up.
2. As I search for a replacement the “SAE J1171 Marine Ignition Protection Certified” is in every one of the descriptions from the Amazon $80 to the NuWave Marine $250 unit. So I don’t get it.
It is a pain to get to so I am going to have my guy take it out then order the right one. Like Boatman37 said, get the right one the first time. I’ll end up changing the solenoid on the old one and use it as a spare.
Jon

 

[scoflaw]

That starter is a bitch to replace, skip the Amazon junk and pay the $250 for the Merc I have to pull my engine to replace , so no joke on the labor end

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

That starter is a bitch to replace, skip the Amazon junk and pay the $250 for the Merc I have to pull my engine to replace , so no joke on the labor end

I agree on it being PITA. My young guy, I’ve talked about him in other threads has been down and looked at it we just didn’t have time to get it out. He’s 100% sure he can get it out barring and broken bolts. I’ll keep Y’all posted. I have to say that quietly as all my friends that really are from the south say “you ain’t from around here are you Jon?”

 

[sbw1]

If the starter isn’t broken don’t fix it. Replace the broken parts with OEM.

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

If the started isn’t broken don’t fix it. Replace the broken parts with OEM.

While in theory I agree. However comma sending my young man into that tiny pocket of bilge more times than necessary seems cruel and unusual punishment. I actually spoke with Wholesale Marine and ordered both versions so it’s a one and done with no issues on returning the unused one.
Jon

 

[Scott215]

When I bought my boat, the starter was bad and they replaced it. New mercruiser. Was $ 345

 

[GirlyGirl1999]

While in theory I agree. However comma sending my young man into that tiny pocket of bilge more times than necessary seems cruel and unusual punishment. I actually spoke with Wholesale Marine and ordered both versions so it’s a one and done with no issues on returning the unused one.
Jon

So that is done, found a new mechanic in the process, very knowledgeable young man and quick. $125 an hour took him about 30minutes so he looked around the ER and found a few other things that he tightened/fixed/trouble shot (VacuFlush vacuum switch) while “on the clock.” I would use him again. I’ll post his info in the mechanic thread.

 

[Banziiii209]

When I bought my boat, the starter was bad and they replaced it. New mercruiser. Was $ 345

How’s it going what website did you order your starter from?