OEM Starter or Aftermarket?

jme097

In the spring as part of my maintenance I am going to replace the starter as it is 11 years old. I found the OEM p/n from Merc's part catalog based off my engine serial number. I searched for it on Amazon and a couple aftermarket replacements came up and one had awesome reviews. Was curious if anyone has had any luck with any of these at all? I already planned on spending the $220 for an OEM one but figured it was worth a shot to see if anyone on here has used these before with any luck.

Dream_Inn

That's a crazy good price!  Is it rebuilt?  So, you are just replacing because of age?  Gosh, I feel I do pretty good maintenance on my boat, but not sure I'd just replace my perfectly good starter.  (unless it was showing rust or causing problems)

Cableguy Greg

I would go with OEM or Sierra. Not sure what brand that is, but it is a good price.

zaverin1

Oem or Sierra for sure
i purchased lots of “ discounted starters and found out why in a hurry” specially when it’s 90 deg and I am laying in the engine compartment replacing it with oem lol.
i don’t remember anyone replacing a starter for pm reasons but hey to each is own.

jme097

Just replacing because of age. I replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor last year. Figured I might as well do the starter as well to keep everything uniform. 

Handymans342

Why don't you have the old one rebuilt and keep for a spare?

zaverin1

Ye there are bunch of local places that do rebuilds 

aero3113

This is the one I bought when I replaced my starter.

Sierra International 18-5913 Delco Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction 2-Bolt Starter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AZ7CG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wK.uAb334DVD7

reneechris14

Yup the Sierra and keep the old one on the boat for s spare.

Handymans342

I would just have the old one overhauled. 

rasbury

I had mine rebuilt when I first got my boat- some salty old fellow that just works on marine starters, alternators and generators. Have had 0 problems and as I recall 100 bucks.

randy56

Bought several over the years at NAPA auto parts. also had them rebuilt, no problems, with either.  is it giving your trouble? That starter should last as long as you own the boat. your's being a 2008. The ones I replaced were on old boats. Now with that said, watch mine go out. Water is your only enemy.  

rasbury

Mine must have gotten wet....which would make one worry but it would not take much....NAPA? don't you have to have a sealed marine one to avoid a k boom!?

Handymans342

YES

zaverin1

Yep starters 
alternators 
fuel pumps all have to be marine

randy56

Napa can order them, not the off the shelf car starters.