Starter Problem Towed in by a Sea Doo!!!

[zpacheco]

I will definitely be doing that in the future. I have owned the boat for 2 years and just took a look at the starter for the first time. I took it apart and the insides were just obliterated, honestly surprised it lasted as long as it did.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by zpacheco

Was on the lake yesterday when my starter decided to quit. I could hear the bendix and test the power going to the starter from the solenoid it was where it should be. Pulled the starter off after getting towed in by a Sea Doo.... Nothing more embarrassing! got it tested today and it was shot. After calling and going to every auto parts store in Little Rock trying to find one, thinking this would be an easy fix. I couldn't find one anywhere! So, I'm resorting to ordering one online. I have a 1994 maristar with the 350 Indmar engine in it.

Side note I pulled the starter apart to clean it and look for the problem and I saw wires that were ripped apart rusting on the magnets and broken plastic pieces not to mention someone tried putting electrical tape in it. Who ever owned this boat before looked like they completely rigged this thing up. I posted in a previous thread about hard starts I sometimes have and I feel like i found the culprit.

This is the one skidim.com recommends: http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RA122009
Just that doesnt look anything like the one I got.

FYI- normal maintenance calls for the Bendix to be inspected and lubed annually. OTOH, if it lasted this long, that's not bad.

I get starters and alternators from a local shop that rebuilds them. You should have at least one shop near you that does the same. Look under Auto Electric Rebuilders in the phone book, or online.

[zpacheco]

The bendix wasn't the problem it was the motor inside the starter that someone tried to repair before and just did not do a good job. From everything I have looked at the starter brush plate was completely rigged up. Do you recommend me getting the current one rebuilt? or just buying one they have? do they typically have marine starters at these places?

[JimN]

Originally Posted by zpacheco

The bendix wasn't the problem it was the motor inside the starter that someone tried to repair before and just did not do a good job. From everything I have looked at the starter brush plate was completely rigged up. Do you recommend me getting the current one rebuilt? or just buying one they have? do they typically have marine starters at these places?

When I go for a starter or alternator, they always have the same ones in stock because they know it's a common part number and if they need to make it comply with Coast Guard regs, they have the parts for that, too. If your local shop(s) don't have something already to go, they can/should be able to rebuild it as long as what needs to stay is in good condition.

If you can't fond a shop easily, call a boat dealer or used car dealer to see who they go to for these. Neither can afford to have bad ones, so it should be a safe bet.

[zpacheco]

Thanks Jim! Will look tomorrow. Really hoping to try and get to use the new tower befor I go out of town for work.

[jmw]

I'm sure that others are around but my dad was a mechanic and used Jacksonville Starter & Generator, (501) 982-8938 304 E Main St, Jacksonville, AR 72076 (Corner of Main & Oak, Jacksonville AR ) this was 20 years ago, so since they are still around you would hope they do decent work. Not sure about rebuilding your starter with he housing being busted etc but Jim is correct they usually have spares. If you take your starter with you they can probably tell you which way it turns.

[JimN]

The 5.7L cast iron engine has been around since 1954, so I think enough have been scrapped/salvaged to leave a huge number of starters for the re-manufacturing industry to be pretty well set for a long time.