Starter motor

[Don]

I have a 82 Catalina 30 with the 5411 engine. My starter motor is toast - I can't rebuild it and I need a new one. The motors seem to run about $700. Is there anything really that special about these motors? Would I be able to fit a automotive starter? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

 

[John Visser]

Tractor parts

If its anything like my Universal M25, it is a tractor engine that's been marine-ized. The starter should be reasonably priced from a tractor parts outlet. Why can't yours be rebuilt?jv

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Might want to stay with Marine Grade

Don,I'm all for saving $$, but for any critical part (especially one exposed to the stale, salty bilge environment) I'd stick with the marine grade. If you're in fresh water I'd consider the tractor version...otherwise you might want to stick with the one built for marine use.Allen Schweitzers/v DrambuieC-30 Hull# 632

 

[John Visser]

Marine grade???

Allen, The engine itself is a tractor engine, not a "marine" engine; the starter is exactly the one htat coems with the tractor engine. All that Universal did was spray the whole engine with gold paint, which is now flaking off into the bilge, revealing Kubota blue underneath. Interestingly, it seems Universal/Westerbeke now is sticking with the blue color.

 

[John Visser]

more on marine grade

Once again, Universal does exactly nothing to these starters, except perhaps paint them.(A friend of mine was a buyer and systems integrator at a marine engine company.)Torrensen Marine proce: $700.00Engine Distributors in N.J.: $287.91You might want to get the part number off the starter first.

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

To John

John,That's good to know. I've bought some non-marine items in the past that have always crapped out on me (hardware, especially) so I always look for marine specific parts.It's good to know that there's no difference with the starters.Thanks!--Allen

 

[John Visser]

Yes, ...

...I know, in some applicaitons the non-marine just doesn't last, such as chrome plated automotive stuff that's exposed to the elements. But the engine stuff is almost all non-marine in origin, and there's usually enough oil flyign around, or paint on them, to prevent destructive corrosion. Engines should be painted all over, and touched-up occasionally, to hold off rust. jv