got the starter in and it engaged right off the bat. thanks for the advice.
got the '87 Limited started up and driving for the first time in 15+ years today. feels good.
Shop for the Mercruiser 3.0 Marine Starter Long-Short Mount 6563 SDR0059 at DB Electrical. The best selection of OEM replacement parts with fast shipping.
Just my 2c, I installed a brand new Mini starter from Kirbans, that lasted about 7 months before it wouldn't engage all the time , sometimes I would have to bang the starter to start it. The 2nd Mini starter from Ebay lasted about 5 months before it started sticking intermittingly, and getting hung up. I just ordered a Brand New stock starter. The stocker lasted 30 plus years, before I had any trouble with it.
Just my 2c, I installed a brand new Mini starter from Kirbans, that lasted about 7 months before it wouldn't engage all the time , sometimes I would have to bang the starter to start it. The 2nd Mini starter from Ebay lasted about 5 months before it started sticking intermittingly, and getting hung up. I just ordered a Brand New stock starter. The stocker lasted 30 plus years, before I had any trouble with it.
If your stock starter made no noise when you turned the ignition switch to the start position, you probably just needed to replace the brushes. Not only is this very old/tried and true starter reliable, it will spin your engine over faster than any other starter that you can get for your engine.