Reply To: Big Twin Correct Starter Identification

[Anonymous]

A couple of the common things that cause the starter to give up, are the lead from the field winding to the positive cable post breaks off the post because the post is loose caused by tightening and loosening the cable mounting nut. The other is worn out brushes. Even a new starter can have these two problems that are caused by the installer and the operator through no fault of the starter quality. The quality of new non USA or rebuilt outside of the USA starters leave a lot to be desired. I would trust a old original equipment starter that was rebuilt by a shop in the USA than either of the other two sources. I get a lot of work from the new or built starters from over seas that fail right away or give up after a short time. No starter is going to last 10 years with out servicing. Greases get hard, brushes wear out and the dust from the worn out brushes can stick the brushes and cause the starter to drag burning out the windings. Dry bushings wear and cause drag over heating the brush springs and so many more. They all will need servicing. If your customer expects to go ten years with no starter problems, put the outboard on a preventive maintenance schedule that includes removing the starter for servicing, disassembly and cleaning and lubricating and brush replacement before a break down.