PCM 454 starter - Saltare

[cadunkle]

I want to get a new starter for the PCM 454 LH standxard rotation in my '89 Saltare. It is a top mount rear entry starter mounted on the bellhousing and offset to startboard side. Current starter works but occasionally I get a small puff of smoke out of it (internally). Cleaned terminals and no difference. Cranks fast but I don't want it to die on me. Looking at DB electric and going to order a higher output alternator too since they have great prices and several here have used them.

Looking at past threads I see two different starters that different people claim are correct for the boat, but not specified where the starter location is. One is SDR0065 which seems to be for reverse rotation engines as it cross references to PCM# RA122008 and then to this Sierra starter (http://www.marinepartssource.com/new...ured%20Starter) which states:
Top mount rear entry starter
Opposite rotation starter
GM and Ford engines clockwise

The other one mentioned here is #SDR0105 which cross references to PCM# RA122008 and then to this Sierra starter (http://www.marinepartssource.com/new...ured%20Starter) which states:
Top mount rear entry starter
For Gm and Ford standard rotation engines

Not sure how the SDR0065 would work in a standard rotation engine unless it was mounted in a normal front entry application as it would turn a standard rotation engine backwards in a rear entry? So the SDR0105 should be the correct starter as I have a standard LH rotation engine with a top mount rear entry starter? Please help clarify before I order.

[haugy]

My head just exploded. I've read this 4 times, and boom.

If you know your rotation, and placement it should be clear to pick which one. The problem with some of these parts listings with starters is they guy who typed it in has no idea about this stuff, and you get confusing details.

You asked how the 065 would work in a standard rotation engine........it won't. It says opposite rotation, clockwise. That to me means right hand rotation. This one would fit my boat.

The 0105 is a standard rotation, (which honestly I'm not sure who is really standard, LH or RH), but it doesn't say clockwise, so I would assume counter-clockwise, so LH rotation.

I think you're right about needing the 105 starter for yours.

[wotan2525]

I'm really confused by this. One is CW rotation (opposite) and one is CCW (standard.) The starter itself doesn't care where it's mounted (or where Mecca is.) You need the 0105. Quit asking questions and just order it!

[Jetlink]

Just make sure to reference true north when installing the starter so it will initialize the start sequence properly...lol

[haugy]

Is that Greenich mean time? Or by the Navy master clock?

[cadunkle]

Actually it does matter which direction the starter is installed. If the nose is pointing forward it spins the engine one direction and if the nose is installed towards the back it will spin the engine the other direction. It sounds like 0105 is the correct starter though, so I'll order that one.

[Salty87]

it goes both ways? wow, does that cost extra?

[mdb122]

Just ordered one from Amazon this morning after confirming with DB . $83 and No Shipping

"Yes SDR0105 is CCW which is counter clockwise or reverse rotation."

Thanks, DB

DB ELECTRICAL
664 EASTERN STAR ROAD
KINGSPORT TN 37663
800-753-2242

[vvfdfirefighter]

I just wanted to update this thread with my experience with SD0105. I've been running this starter for as along as I can remember (and obviously recommended it in here.) Unfortunately, my luck with this starter was spotty at best. I don't think I have had one make it through 2 seasons. They seem to get REALLY corroded on the inside. Recently I was stuck when the starter would no longer turn over and I had to paddle/swim the boat in. This was a starter that I installed of July 2013 so I only had it for 14-15 months.

This was the DB Electrical version but I suspect most of them come out of the same chinese/mexico factories.

Anyway -- I took the starter apart and was apalled at the poor construction. The armature had some really bad deformities on it (that must have been that way from the factory.) These defects had caused all but 1 brush to be broken, and the brush springs to also have broken off and been chewed up in the field windings.

I decided enough was enough -- I'm done with SD0105!

In all of my other vehicles, I always upgrade the starters to PMGR type starters when I replace them. For some reason, I had not been able to find a PMGR starter suitable for the 454 marine engine. It requires a starter that spins CCW and all of the PMGR CCW starters I could find had a completely different "offset" style of mounting ears.

Finally I've found a solution, though...... and I can't believe how fast and smooth my boat now starts! The LESTER 6793 is a PMGR starter in CCW orientation. It has the same number of teeth and the same mounting ears. For whatever reason, none of the parts lookups specify that this works with the 7.4/454 engine, but I ordered it anyway and can confirm that it works perfectly. Here's the one that I purchased: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JJK7W/...332200_TE_item and here's the same item at DB Electrical (for those that prefer them): http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-2299-n...-140-6075.aspx

It's a much smaller, more powerful and more energy efficient starter than the stock one. Swap over to it the next time your starter craps out.

What are the two purple wires for? I'm guessing this is "plug n play"?

[wotan2525]

The two purple wires are actually just one purple wire (they both connect to the same places. Not sure why its setup that way). They come from the ignition switch to the starter. Same as sd0105 so yes, it is plug and play.