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Starter siezed, less than a year old

HannahG

New member
We had a new starter installed about 10 months ago, no issues after that. Boat is used on a weekly basis. Yesterday the starter made a quick grinding noise for about 5 seconds, then nothing. After trying again the starter does not even turn over. It's totally siezed. Repair shop that installed it said it could be rusted out, so it wouldn't be covered by warranty. I think it's just a defective starter. No water in the bilge or bellows. The starter that was replaced was just old, no rust. Is it worth hauling the boat out to take to shop?
 
did the new starter come with a warranty?

who's stater did they install?

Have you made a visual inspection of the starter?

On your last question, it depends on a lot of things...Most people take it to a shop as they have limited resources and find it most convenient...its a judgement call you have to make...
 
If the shop didn't lubricate the Bendix gear and shaft, it's their fault if it rusted. This is supposed to be done annually.

Where are you located? If you live/boat in a hot/humid place, don't expect starters to last forever, but if the OEM part lasted several years, something is wrong- was it a Chinese-made starter? They're cheaper for a reason. They do work, but...

How old is the boat? Is it kept near salt water? Do you cover the boat when it's not used and does the cover have vents? If not, the problem was probably caused by condensation, especially if the cover was replaced after the starter.
 
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