All the documentation I've read has said not to, but the price difference is about $80 (US). The only difference I can see externally is a gasket on the solenoid. Internally, no clue. Plus this new one is new (obviously) and the old one is old. It's a 165hp Mercruiser. So Mercruiser 165. Any thoughts?
2007-05-31 10:36:22 · 3 answers · asked by rootsradicalz 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
The reason you want a marine starter is for safety. The starter would be spark proof if used on a boat. Its not for torque, safety! I am sure many starters are automotive starters so people can save a few dollars.
2007-05-31 11:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it sure. Problem is the Torque, an Auto Starter has a different RPM/Torque and coulld cause more damage that costs more money.
If money is an issue, don't buy a motor boat.
Pay the extra $80 and get a Marine Engineered Starter that is meant for that motor.That is my opinion.
Saltwater or water immersion happens on Boats, it is like anything, fix it proper or don't.
I would rather have a boat that had no jerry rigged fixes , that way I know what I have and what I am working on if and when it breaks.
Overcomplicate to save $80 and end up making a mass of confusion,
2007-05-31 10:50:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The gaskets make a big difference! for $80 the cost difference is small compared to the time you'll send each time you need to replace the starter because you didn't spend the additional money for the marine starter. A friend tried this and had to replace the starter motor 2x in a month before realizing that it was just cheaper to get the proper starter motor the first time around.
2007-05-31 11:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋