J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Cheap Chinese Starter ... Test

Every 25 years ... as it begins to require two batteries to Always start the engine ... I replace the starter. We have a long term maintenance program here.

So with the local dealer wanting close to $400 for a "Yanmar" #128170-77010 starter [including tax] for the 2GM which he would have to order from "somewhere else" with me paying the freight as well ... I went to my standard J30 parts source ... Ebay.

Picked up a "Mitsubishi" starter to replace the Hitachi S114-303 original from 25 years ago. "Caltric" has 3500 feedbacks with 99.8 positives ... PRICE WAS $84 + $13 US Postal Priority box shipping. all the GMs use the same starter they say. Two day delivery from Calif. which is completely across the country from here.

Only tools I needed to add to my box here were two cheap 6 in. 3/8 socket extension rods to add to the one I had. Takes 18 in. to get to the starter bolts from the front of the engine.
14mm socket.

Followed Bill's advice about paint. "if it isn't painted ... paint it"

no big deal to change out. one battery -- started no problem.

Who knows how long this starter will last ... if it goes bad I'll update this thread. I have three more months of this season to go.