Buying Starters

HUMPH

HUMPH

Well-Known Member
Nov 4, 2009
7,618
SF BAY AREA
Boat Info
2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
Engines
CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
OK,

I have decided to replace both of my starters since they are original and now going on 9 years old. I would like the opinion of the brain trust here on whether to use new or rebuilt starters. I also would like to know from other's experience, the best place to order them. I have searched the internet and there are so many different sites but who knows what quality you are getting.

Thank in advance...
 
I was in a pinch and had to buy one off the shelf at WM and it's going strong 4 seasons later. It was a Sierra. I then took the one that died for a rebuild and installed that on the other engine (which was fine) and now have a spare. Good idea to be proactive. They won't let me use the name of the site with the best prices so I'll spell it out phonetically.

B0@tF1X dot com. You can get all original merc stuff here and I haven't found a place that can beat their prices.
 
Ken,
I agree with Ron, but might go about it by purchasing one new or rebuilt one, and carrying it as the spare. Then you have it if you need it. Not sure how hard it would be to install in your boat, but with V's, at least it's toward the front, as long as you don't mind possibly having to install it when needed. A lot of times a starter going bad will give you a few hints before giving up. Just my 2 cents. Take care
 
I had one rebuilt after the bendex brock. It cost 175 with tax. It turned the engine over a lot faster than the one on the other engine so I got it rebuilt. It also cost 175. I went with rebuild as we were 200 miles from home and to order a new one was a few days. I got them rebuilt in a day. Do not know what a new one was worth.
 
I paid around $160 for the rebuild at a local starter/alternator guy who does marine. Most of the automotive guys near also rebuild marine stuff. I think I paid $180 at WM. Looks like that site I referred to above that we can't say its name has it for around $160 (OEM).
 
You guys are great! I can replace the starter in about 20 minutes so I think I will buy 2 new ones and hold on to the old ones. Later I'll have them rebuilt for spares (but I'll keep the port engine starter on board as a spare until rebuilt). I keep having issues with the bendix on the starboard side but figure it's time.

I can badely make out the nameless site....good cover up.
 
Ken: If your starters are working fine, I wouldn't rebuild either of them. Keep one on board for a backup and use that money ($300+) for gas!

I can't even PM you with the name of the other site - it get's starred out even in PMs.
 
I'm with you on that, Ron.
I can't tell you how many times I've bought brand new parts- got banged and bruised up putting them in (including starters) only to find out they're defective!

"No problem, return it and we'll give you another" they say...
To which I sarcastically respond "You gonna install it for me now, too?"

If there's no indication of problem, why replace them?
 
The starter for the starboard engine sometimes doesn't engage. It has happened twice now and I have to remove it, spin it a few times and replace it then it works. It seems the bendix isn't working properly. :huh:

I am always figuring if I replace one side, I replace both. Would anyone replace one impeller?
 
If there's no indication of problem, why replace them?
Click to expand...

Ditto. I replaced my port starter two years ago after the bendix starting giving me trouble. It gave enough warning to do the swap without stranding me.

The 13 yr old stbd starter hasn't shown any issues, and until it does, it'll stay there.
 
Knockin on wood right now but my 16 year old starters are working just perfect on my Crusaders from the evil brand that looks like a funny Sea Ray.
 
If there's no indication of problem, why replace them?
Click to expand...

Let's say Ken wants to replace both just b/c he thinks it's time. I have no problem with that idea. "An ounce of prevention..." What I'm saying is don't rebuild both - keep the one that is functioning on board as the spare and keep the quirky one at home in the basement as a spare for the spare.
 
rondds said:
Let's say Ken wants to replace both just b/c he thinks it's time. I have no problem with that idea. "An ounce of prevention..." What I'm saying is don't rebuild both - keep the one that is functioning on board as the spare and keep the quirky one at home in the basement as a spare for the spare.
Click to expand...


GOTCHA! :thumbsup:
 
An issue I see with it is that it's not necessarily prevention. You can replace a good starter with a one that's not as good.

I think prevention dollars are better spent on true wear items: impellers, plugs, wires, oil, fluids, zincs etc.
 
Impellers are next, zincs are new as is the bottom paint, oil is fresh, I will be cleaning the strainers when I do the impellers, I have cleaned the spark arresters (not sure if they need replacing? they looked OK), I do want to replace the fuel filters soon as well. I'm not wasting $ since if I am out on the water and I have to rip out the starter the Admiral will insist I replace them after that anyway (she already is pushing).

Maybe I get a rebuilt unit, have the bad one rebuilt and install it on the port side then have that one rebuilt as a spare? That sounds doable...
 
Copycat
 
rondds said:
Copycat
Click to expand...

:grin:

BTW, not too many basements in this area but I have half of one! Might as well when we had to rebuild the hill the house is on when it slid... :smt009
 
We don't have starters rebuilt anymore. Too many premature failures and no labor warranty to to replace them a second time.
The price of new starters has dropped to the point where we only install those and we have no issues with them at all.
We just wrote up work order number 16,000 in our shop a couple weeks ago, so we have done plenty "testing".
Our customers end up happier with new starters.
The price difference is less than the labor to do it a second time, plus you don't have the second breakdown and trip to the shop.
 
geriksen said:
We don't have starters rebuilt anymore. Too many premature failures and no labor warranty to to replace them a second time.
The price of new starters has dropped to the point where we only install those and we have no issues with them at all.
We just wrote up work order number 16,000 in our shop a couple weeks ago, so we have done plenty "testing".
Our customers end up happier with new starters.
The price difference is less than the labor to do it a second time, plus you don't have the second breakdown and trip to the shop.
Click to expand...

Great website you have there...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,247
Messages
1,429,243
Members
61,127
Latest member
Ants84245srv
Back
Top