Marine Starter Motor & Solenoid Service
Marine starter motor and solenoid service for inboard and outboard engines at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or at our San Pedro shop. A voltage drop test shows whether the fault is in the battery cables, the solenoid or the starter, and we quote any part before it is replaced.
We work on starters for Mercury, MerCruiser, Yamaha and Volvo Penta engines and for Yanmar and CAT diesels. On gasoline engines we install only sealed, ignition-protected marine starters, never automotive parts. Our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date; parts carry their manufacturer's warranty.
Labor estimate Usually 1–2 hours
Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.
Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach
- San Pedro$30
- Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
- Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
- Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
- Redondo Beach$60
- Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
- Marina del Rey$85
- Newport Beach$110
Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.
- Registered in California
- Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
- Where we work
- At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
- Questions first
- (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket
About this service
Just a Click?
Let's Find the Cause.
The dreaded "Click." Nothing ends a boating day faster than a dead starter. We trace electrical faults, replace corroded solenoids, and install high-torque, ignition-protected marine starters that meet Coast Guard rules.
Solenoid Diagnostics
Is it the starter or just the solenoid? We test the relay system first. Often, the "Click" comes from a solenoid failing to engage, a far cheaper part than a whole starter.
Ignition Protection
Never use a car starter on a boat. Marine starters are sealed (SAE J1171) so internal sparks cannot reach fuel vapors. Using an auto part in a gas engine bilge can cause an explosion. We install only ignition-protected marine parts.
Corrosion Defense
Saltwater environments destroy connections. We don't just swap the part; we clean the battery cable ends, ground wires, and terminals, then coat them with dielectric grease to keep moisture out.
The Repair Flow.
More than just parts.
Voltage Drop Test
Before removing anything, we test the voltage at the starter while cranking. If voltage drops below 9.5V, the issue might be a bad battery cable, not the starter itself.
Extraction
Access is often tight. Whether it's buried under a V8 MerCruiser or tucked behind an outboard cowling, we have the specialized tools to extract it without damaging the engine.
Bench Testing
We verify the failure on the bench. We apply power directly to the motor to check for Bendix gear extension and spin speed, confirming the dead unit.
Install & Seal
We install the new unit, torque the bolts to spec, and spray the exterior with a corrosion inhibitor shield to protect it from the humid bilge environment.
Engines We Service.
Inboard & Outboard.
Marine Specs.
Safety first.
Common Questions
Can I tap it with a hammer?
This is a last-resort trick that sometimes unsticks the brushes and gets you home once. But if you have to do it, the starter is failing and should be replaced soon.
Why not buy a cheap auto starter?
Risk of explosion. Cars are open underneath; boats trap fumes in the bilge. Marine starters are sealed so internal sparks don't ignite gas vapors. Coast Guard rules require ignition-protected electrical parts in gasoline engine compartments.
Starter Problems: A Common Boat Engine Repair
A no-start is a common reason boaters call for boat engine repair, and the starter circuit is often the culprit. Whether it is a small outboard or a large diesel, the symptoms are similar: a single click, slow cranking or nothing at all. Our voltage drop test shows whether the fault is in the battery cables, the solenoid or the starter itself, so you are not paying for a starter you do not need.
- Outboard repair: starter and solenoid replacement on Yamaha and Mercury outboards is a routine outboard engine repair. If you are comparing Long Beach CA outboard services, ask for a voltage drop test before any part is replaced.
- Inboard and yacht engine repair: MerCruiser and Volvo Penta inboards and Yanmar and CAT diesels. On any marine gas engine, only a sealed, ignition-protected starter should be installed.
When you book boat motor repair or regular boat motor service, tell us the engine make, model and hours, and describe exactly what you hear when you turn the key.
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Questions 14
Related Posts
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One click, a grinding whir or a lazy crank each tell a different story. Here is how to read starter symptoms, test the basics and know when a technician is needed.