I go to my local marnie store and purchase a replacement starter. I am told they do not make the big one any more.
This thing is the size of a beer can
It looks like it will fit. They have never been wrong before.
It dosent even have a place to bolt up the support arm.

HELP what would you do??

The big original starter has J1171 10455 603 8l 10
stamped on it. J1171 is a stardard code??
The engine is a Mark IV 89
Serial no 0C689774

If it works I will probably pick up 2MPH because it only weighs 12 OZ

Thanks
JIM

I've got those smaller ones on my boat. Seem to do just fine.
Remember how big computers used to be. Technology is shrinking things. I don't know if that is good or bad though

A bud has twin blower motors in his boat.
1 motor, big starter, other motor, small starter. seems fine, but then the boat does have a list.

Was it new or rebuilt? I'm freshening my motor right now,starter will be going on its 6th year,was thinking about replacing it(its the same small one and has never been a problem). Was just curious where to pick one up,price,etc. Smitty

Jim and Smitty,

I've got a good Merc starter from '89 454 Mag sitting in my storage area if you want a spare. Reasonable offers considered. Let me know if you are interested.

Chris

if the shoe fits..... :

It was brand new, with the pretty Mercruiser name

With my 10% discount it was only $248.

I stopped messing with used and rebuilt starters years ago, fine for an automobile that can coast to the side of the road, just dont like the idea of drifting against rocks.

I installed the starter today. No shims bolted right up, if I did not see it with my own eyes I would not believe it.

To bad it sounds like a Honda starting, before the Big Block roars to life

I had replaced one of my 1989 starters with one of those. Worked great. So great , as a matter of fact ,when a leaky exhaust manifold hydro locked the engine it took some teeth of the ring gear
The point is , they DO work

I had mine apart yesterday to clean and service.
This is a planetary gearset starter. It even is internally balanced.
Awsome workmanship and very powerful.
Just looks so small.