At the end of last season the starter on my Volvo went tango uniform.

No big deal I thought.

I will just change it in the spring.

Since I bought a new boat I figured I would still change the starter so it would be easier to sell.

I called my volvo mechanic this morning for a quote.

Keep in mind this is a 1984 Volvo AQ125 4cyl.

The price for a starter...

Are you ready for this.......

Sit down before reading any further....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
$590.00 !!!!!!

They said they only show one starter available, no rebuilds.

They said if I brought it down to them they would see if there was anything they could do. But not likely.

I hope they use lubrication before they sell you that starter!

I imagine the lubrication is so that it doesn't hurt so much when you bend over?

BF,

Just a thought ... had an older diesel powered japanese car a few years ago that killed its starter. The repair part was simply NOT available in the States!! - at any cost.

I took the dead starter to a place that was listed in the YELLOW PAGES as "Automotive Electric Equipment" and had it fixed for less than $100. Problem solved.

Take it off and see if you can get it rebuilt - what do you have to lose ?

erie_guy

BF,
I thought I had the same problem last spring. They told me $420 for mine and the same thing about only one being made and it was obsolete. i found a site onthe internet that had my starter for $125. I think it was Boatfix or boatparts or something like that. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what the name was but I know it is out there. Also you can sometimes getthem fixed at an electric motor shop when a parts place tell you it can't be done. They usually have more refference for compatable parts in the world of electrics. I have seen people get the old VW 6 volt stuff rebuilt so a Volvo starter should not be a big deal.

Think I would always park on a hill and pop the clutch to crank it!

Ditto what other say about finding a shop to rebuild it. Used to have a little Chevy Luv truck w/diesel (really a rebadged Isuzu) and a new starter was gonna be major bucks. Took it to a rebuild place and guy fixed it for much less cost.

you're talking your boat engine correct? Go on e-bay and you can probably find one. I found a dealer/rebuilder through ebay for mine last summer. He was out of Michigan and great to deal with.
Factory Replacement: $350
Rebuild: $135
And it looked brand new and performs great.

There's a place here in Jersey that re-builds marine stuff real cheap. Actually, there's two I can think of. If you have a proble let me know, I'll track them down.

One is Roberts rebuilding in Saddle Brook.

Thanks guys.

I know I wouldnt buy it.

If you put the boat in gear and then get a buddy to pull it behind his boat real fast, you might be able to tow-start it.

The Cobalt would make a great tow boat for that PDQ.

Dude, I sold mine for the same price I paid for it and it had a busted enginge coupler when I sold it. I don't know what you are asking but I had no problems.

I am just going by what I would do.

I wouldnt buy a 20 year old boat from someone who I dont know who tells me it runs great but it wont start.

Even if he told me it was just a starter I would move on if I could not here her run.

But thats just me.

BF:

Here is a link to a site for $180.

http://www.amarket.com/ibs1663m.htm

Here is another link but you probably have to call to check for your particular application ($120-$300+ dependent on model needed)

http://www.go2marine.com/frameset.jsp?rightFrameURL=%2FpartsFinder.jsp

JD, You da Man!!!!!!

I still dont know you guys find this stuff.

I do searches all day and dont find crap.

I had my AQ125A starter rebuilt at a local auto electric shop for <$100. If it's suddenly not working, it's quite likely just the solenoid or brushes and those are easy to get. And yes, he used Marine specific parts on mine.

Thanks dave R.

I'll ck that out.

You have a good track record with helping me fix my boat.

BF:

Before you buy anything, you might want to consider breaking the starter down yourself. There are several areas that could be the cause of the problem.

Now I'm assuming that the starter has an external solenoid.

1. Contacts in the solenoid may be corroded, preventing a good electrical connection.

2. Rust buildup in between the "core" of the solenoid and the outer housing. (This could cause the core to stick, preventing the core from closing the main contacts to the starter motor).

3. Bad ignition switch or bad wiring from the ignition switch to the solenoid.

4. Salt/rust in the bearing areas.

5. Bad neutral safety switch (or wiring).

6. Salt/rust on the shaft where the starter drive slides.

7. A quick check of the starter windings for continuity.

I know I'm probably missing (or forgetting) something, but you don't seem to be a stranger or lack the mechanical ability to repair/troubleshoot this. I wouldn't change the whole starter if you can track it down to items 1-6.

There is nothing sacred about marine starters except spark suppression screens, which are usually covering the holes in the case. ANY decent auto electric shop on the planet that rebuilds starter motors can rebuild this for you. Look in the Yellow Pages and make a few phone calls. Ask if they are familiar with what is necessary for rebuilding marine engine starters and then for the price. Go to the cheapest who has good answers to your questions.

By the way, a pat on the back for taking care of the problem before you sell the boat.

BF,

I don't know if this is exactly your model, but these guys are pretty good. Give them a call.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=4830¤t_category=starter%20volvo&cart_id=609966338

Personally, I would have a local dedicated starter shop rebuild it as suggested.