Starter Problem Solved on Marine Power Chev 350

[cobra]

Removed my starter on my chev 350. Inside pretty rusty. Sprayed it down with WD-40 and reinstalled. Hit the key the off quickly, and it engage with a clank. Hit it again and it started right up. Boat is 4 years old and has sat in the gargage since last October. The thing was just stuck. However, I am thinking about replacing it. Just don't understand how it can get so rusty inside. The boat is allways parked in a gargage when not in use.

[Road Rage]

It's a boat, everything will eventually rust and ultimately cost you money.

B.O.A.T = Bring Out Another Thou$and

[namu mac]

I had starter prpblems every spring when I had an inboard jet until I started removing the motor box cover durind the winter. This kept the condensation from forming in the bilge/engine compartment. Starters lasted much longer.

[ReelAttitude]

dont think about...just replace it

[Pilar]

No pull string on that motor .. better get a new starter.

I've had similar issues with GM starters on Mercruiser engines. Two things stand out

1) Leaks that drip on the engine, especially saltwater, and then run off the rear housing and down over the starter. Usually this is caused by a leaking engine cover.

2) Bilge water picked up by the flywheel and slung up into the rear engine pocket. Guess where it goes every time?

So hose down the area over your engine and try to find any leaks in the engine cover or gaskets or hatch or whatever keeps the water out of the rear area of the motor. And install a proper float actuated bilge pump. That is wired to the battery, fused and if the float picks up it pumps the water out. Also take a look once in a while and see if there is water in your bilge. Especially before you fire up. It does not take much to get as high as the lowest point of the flywheel.

Also you can soak the bendix and gear with a corrosion resistant spray like BOESPRAY or Corrosion-X. This will help but not prevent the problem completely.

I figure I get a year out of a starter, tops.

[Fish mojo]

I hope to get 3 seasons on a starter. Then again, I don't get in salt or use it as much as others.
Make sure you get a marine grade.

[Bluefinn]

I am happy if my starter last 1 season.I always keep a spare.I say buy a new starter and reb uild the old one for a spare.