www.iFourWinns.com

I am replacing the starter in my 2001 180 Horizon (Volvo Penta 4.3 GL). I found the following replacement starter through West Marine and am wondering if the Sierra brand starters would be a good, quality starter to put in my boat. Any insight you can give me will be appreciated. I think I am getting this for a good discounted price at about $160 (normally $220) & I would imagine brand wouldn't be an issue through West Marine.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... SiteSearch

Thanks!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

What brand are you compairing it too? Or what brand would be your first choice?

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My model: 3860566

NAPA had a replacement for the model I need, but it is $274:
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S(hextt445hwczp3bib1ao4o55))/Detail.aspx?R=SME186275_0238936622

Found some online for real cheap, like DB Electrical ($70):
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/db-starter-alternator/items/item.aspx?itemid=1241174

I called a Four Winns dealer and they wanted close to $400 for the starter without installation!!!

I guess I am looking for the lowest price, but I want to make sure the quality is there. I would think the one at West Marine would be decent quality just because it is a reputable dealer. Thoughts?

Thanks!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

I have used Sierra gaskets and filters and have found them to be the equal of OE. Never used their electrical stuff though. I replaced the starter on my 88 4.3 two years ago with a MES unit and for 150 it works great. Install is a little tight but do-able. Sure beats what they want for OE! I prefer to buy stuff at the local marine shops and ask them what makes the mechanics like and make sure I can return it if there is a problem.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

what about having your current starter rebuilt?

And as a second thought, if you are going to do this yourself, look under the engine with an inspection mirror to make sure you can get to the bolts that hold it on, there are 2 bolts that go into the bell housing that are way at the rear of the engine...it's a strech to reach them, I used a long handled 1/2 in drive ratchet....and the starter is pretty heavy...you can tie a rope to it and have a helper hold it from above to help lower down the old one and install the new one. I didn't have a helper so I had to heft it up with one hand and get the bolts started with the other....make sure you disconnect the neg cable of the battery before messing with the starter....don't want a direct short to ground there in the bilge....

If you can't get to it....the mechanic is going to use whatever parts they like so it's a moot point really. I have heard of I/Os that have such bad engine access that the engine has to be lifted up to change the starter....that'd be a pain....

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I appreciate the posts guys. Well, it sounds like I have it down to two options. I will either go with the new Sierra or have it rebuilt (that was a good idea I hadn't looked into). I called a place to have it rebuilt this morning and they said they could turn it around in about a day for at least $30 cheaper than the new one. I think I may go the route of a rebuild. When I called them, I told them I really want it thoroughly rebuilt (like new) and they seemed pretty confident in their work. I already have my starter out of the boat and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I basically had to do a hand stand in the engine compartment, but I was able to get a ratchet underneath the starter pretty easily. Have you guys had any luck with rebuilt starters? Since, we are only talking about $50 either way, I could still go the new route if it is better.

Thanks!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

Not sure what a rebuild entails but, new is new and IMHO a better chance of not needing another repair in the long run. Considering the hand stand job your doing here I would drop the extra thirty and get new.

My $.02

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

I used to rebuild the ones on my cars myself. If you could be certain that the person doing the work would spend the right amount of time & effort (which I honestly doubt), I'd recommend that over anything except a factory new unit, because if done right everything is gone over and checked out thoroughly. If the people proposing to rebuild yours don't normally work on marine starters, they need to understand that a failure won't result in you being stranded in a parking lot, as is the case with their usual work.

A "factory rebuilt" one (or one rebuilt by someone who doesn't give a dam about the work) could be suspect. Many years ago I worked in car parts and can tell you for a fact that most of the "rebuilt" starters and alternators they sell have had nothing done to them except a cosmetic cleaning.

The marinized aspect of it is another dimension, I don't know exactly what trouble/risks may be involved with getting a marine starter rebuilt. May not be an issue.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

A rebuild may be a viable option in freshwater regions but in salt water areas buying new is better, they get pretty corroded between the salt air and water in the bilge. They are marine rated but not meant to be wet and if your drain for the manifold on that side leaks a little it can leak right on the starter. Plus when you drain the manifold for winterization the water runs all over it. I cover it with a plastic bag, when doing the winterize. For $150 new, the MES starter was a good deal with a good warrantee.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

The only problem I ran into when my starter went out was getting a socket over the bolt head. I ended using a 9/16" 1/4" drive to squeeze in. Use a miror as said to see how much room you have on the inner bolt. Dont forget to use a little antiseize or lube on the bolts.

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97 205 Sundowner

Well, I decided to go with the new one over the rebuild. I should get it in a few days. I am hoping it goes in with relative ease (like the old one came out). I will definitely use a lot of the suggestions from all of your posts to make sure it is done right. I can't wait to get it completed and get it on the muffs to make sure she fires up (fingers crossed). Thanks to everyone that replied!

I wish you all worry free & safe boating!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

Nothing to do with Sierra starters.

New is not always new; in the 70's the Ford factory in Halewood, UK used to have an unoffficial night shift operated operation. ( as well as their hidden sleep area); Take in your Ford Escort with a knackered engine or gearbox and get a new one fitted much cheaper than at OEM prices. Problem was that the old units were then cleaned/ painted and fitted to new cars , only to be replaced under warranty if the new owner noticed ! In those days a Ford employee there could order a base model car to be delivered to a local Ford dealer, with all the upmarket extras unofficially included in the boot! ( trunk in US terms).

Graham

I hope Sierra dont send you a used starter from the 70's! I have 2 sierras starters in my Chris Craft and 2 OEM rebuilt ones ready to go sitting in my shop. At $400 each and 15 days to get I figured I wont have to wait next time.

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