Baller brody Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 The starter on my Malibu is going. I know they are sealed units. So my question is, can they be re-built at a shop, or would they not be able to seal the unit after. If I have to buy one I will, but hoping o save a few bucks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 I don't think they are really sealed any differently. My understanding is they are just built with screens, brass terminals instead of copper, rubberized coils, and usually painted on the inside and out. Basically it's a bunch of stuff to help prevent sparks in the event of some kind of failure. A starter rebuild shop should be able to rebuild it but I'd call for a quote first....might not save that much money if they have order special one-off parts as a substantial premium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted July 6, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 Im in Canada so to order one is going to cost me about $300 by time it gets here which is why Im hoping to be able just to get a re-build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 My 21 years old starter was rebuilt twice by a good car starter and alternator shop. No problems for them to replace any parts or work on them. And way cheaper then a new one... My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted July 6, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted July 6, 2015 As long as the rebuilder re-works the starter to marine specifications there is not an issue. I looked into having a rebuilder here in PC but cost wise I can sell a new one for the price of a rebuild and stand behind it. Unless your starter is a very old NLA unit the best bang for the buck is buying new, lessen's the chance of more failure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BostwickLake205 Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 After replacing a couple of marine grade starters, I took someone's advice and went to Autozone and bought a lifetime warranty standard starter for about $39. I think I've replaced that one twice in maybe 12 years. It's a 5 minute job and Autozone swapped it for free. Maybe there is a reason that this is stupid, but I never had problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 @BostwickLake205 You have a car starter in your boat? My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted July 6, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted July 6, 2015 @BostwickLake205 , How about this reason not to use automotive? If you love your people that boat with you you will not continue to utilize the starter and install a marine specific unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BostwickLake205 Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 No defense here...I was told they actually weren't different except in price. Seems dumb now. Probably went 15 years with no problems but moved on from that boat last year . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted July 6, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 Clearly, every automotive starter installed in a boat has not led to an explosion. Every automotive starter that has led to an explosion that was installed by a shop has led to a lawsuit - so @Jody_Seal had better not be using automotive parts. With that said, if you are using an automotive fuel pump which vents to the bilge, an automotive starter which sparks a bit more, ignore the bilge blower and have a couple other sketchy things under the engine cover, you can easily destroy your boat. Using the right parts is the best protection. And really not that much more expensive. That Autozone starter or the one you borrowed from the truck after you launched might allow you to ski that day but you are accepting a higher risk. If you must use automotive parts, figure out what the marine differences are and see if you can convert to the marine version (easy with carbs, tougher with starters and very difficult with fuel pumps). Newer boats are pretty part specific - you are way ahead to order the proper part number. @Jody_Seal treats us pretty well (as do many others) so you'll be back on the water faster and cheaper with the right parts. Even marine parts can allow some sparking and cause fires in poorly maintained bilges that are laden with fuel. You need to be a bit aware of what is going on in your boat just to protect yourself. Drive carefully to the lake as that is probably the riskiest activity. But not as risky as being too afraid to go out and do things so you end up sitting on the couch having a heart attack. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller brody Posted July 6, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted July 6, 2015 Tx for the input guys, I found a shop locally that does marine starters so I should be good, they told me will be between 60-140 can so I will save vs buying a rebuild from the usa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Steveo Posted July 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted July 7, 2015 @Jody_Seal pic was the first thing that came to mind when reading @BostwickLake205 use of automotive parts. Its just not worth the small savings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
east tx skier Posted July 7, 2015 Share Posted July 7, 2015 Discussion reminds me of this. https://youtu.be/_EVSm4YdZN8?t=19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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