VOLVO PENTA STARTER COST

[jungpeter]

I own a 25' Pursuit with a 2007-vintage Volvo Penta (VP) 5.7l Gi-GF engine. Unfortunately, my starter has gone toes-up, and it's time for a change. Aside from being an absolute misery to access, the cost of a replacement seems all over the place. A VP Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) starter is about $450 (not including installation) from my local VP dealer. Yet, what appears from pictures and descriptions as identical (same form factor, USCG approved for gasoline engine use) an aftermarket starter can be had for something like ~$150.

Sheesh, that's a big price swing! Does anyone have insight as to why that might be? If the OEM starter is truly "better" (they all have equivalent warranties), why is that so? Gadzooks, the engine is simply a Chevrolet 350, which has been around for donkey's years. In this application, other than the heat soak issues of marine engines, and the obvious need for spark protection, what's the big deal???? Shouldn't an aftermarket "marine starter for a Chevy 350" be exactly the same as a "VP starter for my 5.7l Gi-GF"?

And insight would be appreciated.

Pete

 

[PaulRainbow]

I own a 25' Pursuit with a 2007-vintage Volvo Penta (VP) 5.7l Gi-GF engine. Unfortunately, my starter has gone toes-up, and it's time for a change. Aside from being an absolute misery to access, the cost of a replacement seems all over the place. A VP Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) starter is about $450 (not including installation) from my local VP dealer. Yet, what appears from pictures and descriptions as identical (same form factor, USCG approved for gasoline engine use) an aftermarket starter can be had for something like ~$150.

Sheesh, that's a big price swing! Does anyone have insight as to why that might be? If the OEM starter is truly "better" (they all have equivalent warranties), why is that so? Gadzooks, the engine is simply a Chevrolet 350, which has been around for donkey's years. In this application, other than the heat soak issues of marine engines, and the obvious need for spark protection, what's the big deal???? Shouldn't an aftermarket "marine starter for a Chevy 350" be exactly the same as a "VP starter for my 5.7l Gi-GF"?

And insight would be appreciated.

Pete

Volvo rip-off markup, that's all it is.

 

[spannerman]

We usually buy them from firm that specialises in starters and alternators for a lot less than OEM but as you noted make sure its spark proof for use in boats.

 

[Refueler]

I replaced the starter on my B30 .. AQ170 6 cyl ..... VP one I found was about 400 quid new or 200 quid 2nd hand ...

I bought a new non OEM starter for 85 quid ... and it needed a change of one bolt as the holes did not quite line up .. it really was such a tiny amount that the mechanic just used original in top hole and one size less diameter bolt in bottom hole and it works perfect.

 

[Momac]

I the UK there are possibly still people available who can repair/rebuild starter motors although I suspect it's becoming less easy to find the right people.

 

[Refueler]

I the UK there are possibly still people available who can repair/rebuild starter motors although I suspect it's becoming less easy to find the right people.

The starter on my Perkins was rebuilt by local workshop here ....

Partial rewind
Grind / weld / cut and grind the helical shft which had bits missing
Grind / weld / cut and grind the bhendix flyer
New springs.

All in for 100 euros.

 

[ss2016]

Google gave me 3 immediately in the UK who offer rebuild/exchange. They might be able to help. I would have a phone around.

 

[Grubble]

I wouldn't pay the OEM price, but I definitely wouldn't buy the cheapest I could find either. Get an aftermarket starter from a reputable supplier, unless you fancy doing it all again in a few years time. BTW if you take the manifold/riser off you will get better access and it's a good opportunity to inspect them.

 

[Momac]

When the starter is removed if may be possible to see the brand and part number .
I would be surprised if its a Volvo Penta part. The starter motors on my VP diesels are Valeo .

 

[Tranona]

Suspect the OP is not in the UK. Maybe in the US (quotes in $) where there is no shortage of aftermarket suppliers nor people capable of repairing starters.

 

[Laysula]

Green paint is expensive.

 

[Jegs]

Green paint is expensive.

I feel your pain.

ATB,
John G

 

[Laysula]

I feel your pain.

ATB,
John G

Not my pain. I have a Yanmar.

 

[madabouttheboat]

Not my pain. I have a Yanmar.

Yanmar. The only company that makes VP parts appear good value